The chance to earn their first point at a FIFA Women's World Cup or become the first New Zealand team to win a game at a senior FIFA event is driving the Football Ferns ahead of their clash against Mexico in Germany tomorrow morning.
Consecutive 2-1 losses to group favourites Japan and England have eliminated New Zealand from quarterfinal contention but midfielder Hayley Moorwood says the desire to carve out a small slice of history is still driving the team.
Sitting third in Group B, Mexico can still progress through to the last eight with three points but would also need Japan to beat England and a combined five goal margin of victory from the two games.
The New Zealand coach John Herdman is expecting a torrid start to the match as Mexicans will be looking to throw everything at them and score as many goals as possible.
Mexico are a rising force in women's football with a 2-1 win over world number one USA and a 5-nil Cyprus Cup win over the Football Ferns in the last year testimony to their potential.
