Football Ferns earn valuable point

Canada's Jonelle Filigno defends as New Zealand's Rebekah Stott kicks the ball during first-half FIFA Women's World Cup soccer game action in Edmonton. Photo / AP.

New Zealand 0
Canada 0

The Football Ferns have kept their Fifa Women's World Cup dream alive after earning a valuable point in a 0-0 draw against tournament hosts Canada in Edmonton today.

In an open and entertaining game, which was suspended for 30 minutes due to a lightning storm, the Ferns impressed against the world's 8th ranked side but were left ruing a missed first half penalty from striker Amber Hearn.

The Ferns must now win their final group match against China to have any chance of progressing to the knockout stages of the tournament - a task the Ferns should feel confident of.

Despite conceding dominance in the possession stats, the Ferns looked likely today. In their opening match against the Netherlands, New Zealand looked a little blunt in the attacking third but today, it was different.

They expertly broke play up in the midfield, looked dangerous on the break and showed a hunger and desire to get on the end of things.

And when Hannah Wilkinson earned the Ferns a penalty after getting bundled over in the box midway through the half, New Zealand should have had a deserved 1-0 lead.

But Amber Hearn sent the spot kick crashing against the bar and then watched on in disgust as the floating ball was cleared away to safety.

Ferns goalkeeper Erin Nayler kept New Zealand in the game on three occasions with an array of fantastic saves. Her best came early in the second half when she tipped a volley from Canada superstar Christine Sinclair onto the bar.

Sinclair, who has scored 154 international goals in 191 games, was Canada's biggest threat, but Ferns centre backs Abby Erceg and Rebekah Stott did a great job of closing her down and limiting her to just a few chances.

Betsy Hassett had a great game in the middle of the park, leading the charge with the Ferns' pressing game and turning the ball over in dangerous positions.

Canada coach John Herdman suggested Hannah Wilkinson was New Zealand's only threat in the pre-match press conference but the powerful striker was hardly a factor. Instead it was the collective midfield pressing game and link up play between Hassett, Annalie Longo and Amber Hearn that looked the most dangerous.

It was only the second time the Ferns have earned a point at a Women's World Cup but the signs are promising. Now they need desperately need their first win.

"It was a great game to watch," said New Zealand coach Tony Readings.

"But we are disappointed we didn't win the game, we missed a penalty - which was probably lesser of a penalty than the one we didn't get against Holland - but we didn't take it."

"But now our destiny is in our own hands. If we win our next game we should go through and if we play like that, I'm sure we will."

Herdman said he thought Canada were the better team.

"Statistically and in possession we dominated the match and had more chances than them. We had gilt edge chances but we didn't put them away. And that's they key to going far in this tournament."