The Football Ferns will play friendly internationals against Mexico and the Philippines in Los Angeles during September’s international window.
The games have been announced by NZ Football who say the games will offer the Ferns opportunities to prepare for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup by playing opponents with a range of styles of play.
Mexico are listed 36th on the FIFA world rankings, compared to New Zealand’s current rating of 22nd.
“Mexico have a good balance between possession and transition, and are very organized in defence,” head coach Jitka Klimková says.
“They are very technical, creative, and good on the flanks with their combinations. On attack they’re always looking to put the crosses into the opposition box, so we will be prepared for how we know Mexico has historically played.
“I know they had tough time at the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship and didn’t get the results they were after, but Mexico is a team that can surprise anybody.”
New Zealand has never played the Philippines before but the team won July’s AFF Women’s Championship, their first international trophy, and are currently listed 53rd on FIFA’s world rankings.
“Philippines play a little bit differently – they don’t have a traditional style of play like South Korea, Japan or China. We will study them and prepare our players to respond to the challenge,” Klimková says.
The squad
Fixtures
New Zealand v Mexico
Saturday September 3, 2022, 1pm (NZT)
Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California
New Zealand v Philippines
Wednesday September 7, 2022, 12pm (NZT)
Titan Stadium, Cal State Fullerton, California
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