The Football Ferns will go into their second match against Thailand eager to maintain their strong defensive record, says head coach Jitka Klimková.
“We know we are tough to play against defensively,” Klimková told a media briefing ahead of Tuesday’s friendly international in Christchurch.
Having not conceded a single shot at their goal in the first match of their series, Klimková said her team would play to their strengths.
“We want to keep that shape that really kept us together and that grid that we showed to everybody.
“That’s what we want to keep. So we are not conceding any shots on goal.”
New Zealand won the first game 4-0 against Thailand who are rated #47 in the FIFA world rankings, behind the Ferns who are ranked #28.
The second match provides a chance for New Zealand to give debuts to two newcomers, Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Aimee Feinberg-Danieli and Feyenoord midfielder Emma Pijnenberg.
Fixture
Game to be played on Tuesday April 9, 2024
New Zealand v Thailand
Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, 7pm
New Zealand squad
Mackenzie Barry (15 caps) Wellington Phoenix FC, Aotearoa New Zealand
CJ Bott (43 caps) Leicester City, England
Katie Bowen (106 caps) Inter Milan, Italy
Claudia Bunge (29 caps) HB Koge, Denmark
Daisy Cleverley (36 caps) HB Koge, Denmark
Victoria Esson (22 caps) Rangers FC, Scotland
Aimee Feinberg-Danieli (0 caps) Wellington Phoenix FC, Aotearoa New Zealand
Michaela Foster (15 caps) Wellington Phoenix FC, Aotearoa New Zealand
Macey Fraser (4 caps) Wellington Phoenix FC, Aotearoa New Zealand
Ally Green (11 caps) AGF, Denmark
Jacqui Hand (24 caps) Lewes FC, England
Grace Jale (28 caps) Perth Glory, Australia
Katie Kitching (7 caps) Sunderland AFC, England
Anna Leat (16 caps) Aston Villa FC, England
Meikayla Moore (63 caps) Glasgow City FC, Scotland
Ruby Nathan (5 caps) Canberra United, Australia
Emma Pijnenberg (0 caps) Feyenoord, Netherlands
Gabi Rennie (34 caps) Aland United, Finland
Ali Riley (160 caps) Angel City FC, USA
Indiah-Paige Riley (22 caps) PSV Vrouwen, Netherlands
Paige Satchell (49 caps) London City Lionesses, England
Malia Steinmetz (28 caps) FC Nordsjælland, Denmark
Rebekah Stott (101 caps) Melbourne City FC, Australia
Hannah Wilkinson (123 caps) Melbourne City FC, Australia
Withdrawals
Brianna Edwards (1 cap) Wellington Phoenix FC, Aotearoa New Zealand (personal reasons)
Kate Taylor (15 caps) Wellington Phoenix FC, Aotearoa New Zealand (injury)
Game one: New Zealand 4-0 Thailand
READ MORE: Football Ferns start two-match series with 4-0 win against Thailand >>>>
WATCH: Highlights from Football Ferns 4-0 win against Thailand >>>>
WATCH: Ferns head coach Jitka Klimková’s post-match interview >>>>
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