The Football Ferns will meet Argentina in two international friendly games on home soil in February.
Argentina have been confirmed as the guest team at February’s interconfederation play-off series for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
They will play New Zealand in Hamilton on Monday February 23 and in Auckland on Thursday February 23.
It means three internationals in a week for the Football Ferns as they already have a match lined up against Portugal in Hamilton on Friday February 17.
Klimková: ‘A valuable piece of our preparation puzzle’
Ferns head coach Jitka Klimková said the friendlies were an important part of preparing for the World Cup which kicks off in July.
“As we get closer to the World Cup kicking off, part of our focus moves to how we can adapt to and perform in these high-pressure environments,” Klimková said.
“Playing games during the play-off tournament is a valuable piece of our preparation puzzle. Playing at Waikato and North Harbour Stadiums give us further opportunities to play in other areas of Aotearoa and continue connecting with our fans across the country.”
The Ferns have played Argentina twice before, winning both times.
Record goal scorer Amber Hearn got the Ferns’ winner in 2008’s 1-0 victory, while 2019’s 2-0 win was marked by a sharp finish from Katie Rood and a 40-yard screamer from CJ Bott.
Ranked 29 on FIFA’s World Rankings, Argentina are the third highest-ranked CONMEBOL team, and qualified for 2023 after finishing third in Copa América Femenina 2022 in July. Most of the Argentinian squad play in the top South American, North American and European leagues.
READ MORE: Ferns to play Portugal in Hamilton in February >>>>
Venues
Tickets
Tickets go on sale in early 2023. To receive ticket alerts for the play-off tournament, register here >>>>
Fixtures
Game to be played on Friday February 17, 2023
International friendly
New Zealand v Portugal
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, 7pm
Game to be played on Monday February 20, 2023
International friendly
New Zealand v Argentina
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, 7pm
Game to be played on Thursday February 23, 2023
International friendly
New Zealand v Argentina
North Harbour Stadium, Albany, Auckland, 7pm
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