Ferns head coach Jitka Klimková says her team’s focus will be on improving their finishing in their next games at the OFC Women’s Olympic Qualifier tournament in Samoa.
After New Zealand’s 3-0 win against Tonga in their opening game, Klimková said decision-making and execution in the final third of the pitch needed to improve.
Specifically, she said her team needed better decisions on when and how to cross the ball into the penalty area, and to maintain composure in the box.
“That’s something what was missing today, and that’s our focus for the next games,” she said.
Klimková said her squad was still assembling for the tournament. Four players still need to arrive in Samoa, and some arrived only the day before the Tonga match.
Adapting to the hot and humid conditions after long periods of travel was challenging and Klimková said she was glad her squad was injury-free after the first game.
She said she was happy for debutant Macey Fraser who played a full 90 minutes, earning the Player of the Match award, and showed she keep up with the pace of the game.
RESULTS: Opening games at OFC Women’s Olympic Qualifier tournament >>>>
READ MORE: Early goals enough to see the Ferns through Olympic qualifier against Tonga >>>>
Results
Games played on Wednesday February 7, 2024
Group B
New Zealand 3 (Grace Jale 2′, 16′, Ally Green 13′ pen)
Tonga 0
Samoa 1 (Leah Manuleleua 90+5′ pen)
Vanuatu 0
Standings
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