The New Zealand under-17 women's football team has been beaten 1-0 by Mexico in their opening match at the Fifa World Cup in Azerbaijan.
It is the second match in recent times that a Mexican side has had an impact on New Zealand's hopes following the women's under-20s' loss in their final group match in Japan last month.
The defeat will be hard for Paul Temple and his charges to take after claiming the majority of possession but failing to create any meaningful chances in brutal 33 degree heat in Baku.
The Young Football Ferns now face Japan in what shapes as a must-win encounter on Thursday morning NZ time.
The other match in Group C is Mexico against Brazil.
