Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

NZ scores first up win at women's under 20 world cup

Updated at 4:27 am on 20 August 2012

New Zealand have made a winning start to the FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup, beating Switzerland 2-1 in their Group A opener in Japan.

The Junior Football Ferns can now guarantee a place in the quarterfinals of the 16 nation tournament with a win in either of their remaining two pool games against the hosts or Mexico although one more point may be enough to progress.

Evie Millynn and Rosie White scored a goal in each half, while Switzerland scored in extra time.

Coach Aaron McFarland says they targeted this game so they're delighted with the win but it's a good opportunity to be picky on the performance because it wasn't the best we had to offer by a long way.

New Zealand play Japan on Wednesday.

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