Head coach Jitka Klimková says the first half of New Zealand’s game against Vanuatu was the team’s best performance yet at the OFC Women’s Olympic Qualifier tournament.
Speaking after the Ferns’ 5-0 group win against Vanuatu, Klimková said the team then took control in the second half, controlling the ball, position and, ultimately, the result.
“We were smart … saving our legs a little bit for the game that is in front of us,” she said.
The game ahead is Friday’s tournament semi-final against Fiji.
Asked about the team’s preparation for the semi-final, she said: “I said we want to accelerate our football so again we will spend a lot of repetition in front of the goal. That’s our main goal during this whole tournament to really focus on those details; how we can move in the box; how can we adjust our movement, and how can we score more goals.”
READ MORE: Ferns cruise to big win in one-sided OFC Olympic qualifier against Vanuatu >>>>
READ MORE: Semi-finalists decided at OFC Women’s Olympic Qualifier tournament >>>>
Results
Games played on Tuesday February 13, 2024
Group B
Vanuatu 0
New Zealand 5 (Jacqui Hand 12′, Betsy Hassett 21′, Indiah-Paige Riley 31′, 43′, Macey Fraser 51′)
Tonga 0
Samoa 2 (Monique Fischer 37′, Jayda Stewart 80′)
Final positions in Group B
Fixtures
Games to be played on Friday February 16, 2024
Semi-finals
Solomon Islands v Samoa
FFS Football Stadium, Apia, 1pm (NZT)
New Zealand v Fiji
FFS Football Stadium, Apia, 5pm (NZT)
Game to be played on Monday February 19, 2024
Final
Winner semi-final 1 v winner semi-final 2
FFS Football Stadium, Apia, 5pm (NZT)
More football stories
