New Zealand and Australia have drawn 1-1 in the U-20 women’s friendly international at Porirua Park.
Kiara Bercelli, who plays her club football for UC Sampdoria in Italy, put New Zealand ahead in the 9th minute, converting a pass from Zoe McMeeken.
Tanaye Morris, from Adelaide University, got the equaliser for the Young Matildas in the 59th minute.
Main photo: Tanaye Morris steers the ball into the New Zealand net for Australia’s goal.
In the second half, New Zealand got the ball in the net after Juliette Lucas fired in a cross from McMeeken but the effort was ruled out, with the referee ruling an Australian had been fouled.
Late in the match, Australia’s Zara Kruger hit the crossbar, and substitute Peta Trimis shot the rebound straight to New Zealand ‘keeper Maddie Iro.
The teams play the second game in the series behind closed doors on Sunday, at Upper Hutt’s NZCIS.
Both teams are preparing for this year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.
Result
Game played on Thursday July 11, 2024
New Zealand 1 (Kiara Bercelli 9′)
Australia 1 (Tanaye Morris 59′)
Fixture
Game to be played on Sunday July 14, 2024
New Zealand v Australia
NZCIS, Upper Hutt, 2.30pm (behind closed doors)
This story was first published on July 11, 2024.
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