The New Zealand women's soccer team must start turning strong performances into results, coach John Herdman said after his side went down 2-0 to Australia in the first of a three-match series on the Sunshine Coast.
An uncharacteristic mistake from goalkeeper Jenny Bindon gifted the Matildas the leadin the 35th minute and Joanne Burgess sealed the victory with a superb long-range effort on the hour.
After an evenly contested first 30 minutes in which neither team could get the upper hand, Australia were gifted the lead in the easiest fashion.
Under little pressure, the normally unflappable Bindon misdirected a pass straight into the path of Sarah Walsh who slotted home from the edge of the penalty box.
The Football Ferns matched their more illustrious opponents for long periods but their strong start came to nothing. "It was a strong performance but we have to start converting performances into results," Herdman said.
"When we have momentum we have to turn pressure into goals, because that's what teams like Australia will do.
"We also have to stop gifting goals to good teams. We can't afford to do that because they certainly won't be giving us any."
Emily McColl had the best of New Zealand's chances in the first half but her attempt scraped the outside of the post, while Merissa Smith forced a fine save from the Australian keeper in the second half with her long-range shot.
Wendi Henderson came on as a late substitute to win her 61st cap and set a new appearance record for New Zealand women. The second match is today.
