Football Ferns stun Brazil

Amber Hearn (right) scored her 46th goal for NZ in their 1-0 win over Brazil. Photo / Getty Images.

Moments after the Football Ferns recorded one of their greatest results, a 1-0 win over Brazil, in Brazil, coach Tony Readings said six words that define New Zealand's exciting future: "we can play a lot better."

It was the Ferns' first step back into the international arena since their frustrating winless campaign at the World Cup in June, and Readings was thrilled with his side's response against one of the best teams in the world.

"We are really, really happy," Readings said. "The team has had a lot of disappointment this year with some really good performances but without getting the results, but today we put in one and got our reward."

"We played quite well throughout the game, there were periods when they were on top, and periods when we were too. So we were happy with the performance, but the really exciting thing for us is that we can play a lot better."

New Zealand striker Amber Hearn rifled home the match winner in the 35th minute, perfectly placing a right-footed drive into the corner of the net from the edge of the penalty area, after a free-kick was played into her path by Rosie White.

From there the Kiwis dug deep with a strong effort both in and out of possession with goalkeeper Nayler also playing a key role, denying Brazil's Cristiane mid-way through the second half with a superb save one-on-one.

The result is the second win for the 16th ranked Football Ferns over Brazil (7), the first coming in Switzerland in 2013 at the Valais Cup - also a 1-0 win provided by a Hearn goal.

"I can't really put into words how important Amber is to the team, she's incredibly important on the pitch and off the pitch and she works incredibly hard," said Readings. "It's nice to see her get the rewards because she works so selflessly for the team but today she also showed her quality in front of goal."

The Ferns meet Brazil again on Wednesday in the second match of their two-game series, aimed at giving the squad valuable experience playing in the conditions they will face if they qualify for next year's Rio Olympics. New Zealand must beat Papua New Guinea in a qualifier in January to secure their berth at the games.

"It was very, very hot today and the conditions are likely going to be even trickier for our next game. There's not much of a chance for recovery in the turn around, but if we can be better in the next game that's another step forward in our Olympic preparation. And that's what we need every game. We're together very rarely and we can't waste an opportunity, and we didn't today."

Brazil 0-1 Football Ferns (half: 0-1)
BRA: -
NZL: Amber Hearn 35'