The Football Ferns celebrate Sarah Gregorius' goal against England. Photo / Getty Images
The Football Ferns have received a huge confidence boost ahead of the World Cup in France with their first-ever win over World No 3 England.
The World No 19 Ferns, who survived a nervous start in front of a record crowd of 20,076 fans in Brighton, delivered a determined second-half
performance to upset one of the World Cup favourites.
The Phil Neville-coached England dominated possession and territory, but could not convert their chances. Football Ferns forward Sarah Gregorius made them pay when she scored against the run of play in the 50th minute and the OFC Champions held on for a memorable win.
It was the 31-year-old's 34th goal – and second against England - in her 93rd A International for the Football Ferns. She ran off in manic fashion to the touchline, urging her team-mates to come with her and celebrate what proved to be the defining moment in the match.
It is the first time a New Zealand football team has beaten England at any level. The Ferns had not beaten England from three attempts before this fixture. In 2010 they drew 0-0 at the Peace Queen Cup, at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup they went down 2-1, and in 2013 they lost 3-1 at the Cyprus Cup.
