28 Oct 2014

Sport: NZ close to Football World Cup qualification after PNG win

12:26 pm on 28 October 2014

The New Zealand women's football team are likely secure a berth at next year's FIFA World Cup in Canada when they take on the Cook Islands at the Oceania Women's Nations Cup in Kokopo tomorrow.

The Football Ferns beat a gritty Papua New Guinea team 3-0 yesterday thanks to second half goals to Rebekah Stott, Amber Hearn and Annalie Longo.

The result means New Zealand secure their World Cup qualification with at least a draw against the winless Cook Islands.

Football Ferns coach Tony Readings says PNG's tactics proved a tough nut to crack in stifling conditions with their compact defence.

In day 2's other game the Cook Islands looked like getting their first win at the tournament thanks to a late goal from Tepaeru Toka launched beautifully from a counterattack.

However deep into stoppage time Heilala Loto'aniu scored for Tonga to level it at 1-1.

NZ Football Ferns coach Tony Readings

NZ Football Ferns coach Tony Readings Photo: PHOTOSPORT