NUKU' ALOFA - TONGAN international goalkeeper, Mele Likiliki of Fasi mo e Afi, is a nominee for the Oceania Football Confederation's Women's Player of the Year 2008 Award.

She is among 15 top women football players from Oceania who have been short-listed for the OFC's top award to be announced in April.

Mele (25) is the first Tongan woman to be nominated for the award.

The OFC, in a Media release, stated Mele was chosen for her charisma, brave style and no nonsense approach, which were vital attributes contributing to Tonga's Silver Medal win during the 2007 South Pacific Games in Samoa.

The nominations were spread across 18 months to make up for long periods in the competition calendar where there was no international women's football activity.

Mele, who has been playing the sport since the age of 17, said today she was very happy to be nominated for the top award - a great recognition of her skills and talent.

Mele aims to continue her career in the sport and represent Tonga in future international tournaments.

The other 14 nominees who have been short-listed are from Fiji, American Samoa, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Tahiti and New Zealand.

For the Men's Player of the Year Award, there are ten nominees from players who are predominantly playing in Asia and Europe.

The winner will determined by a jury consisting of members of the OFC Executive Committee, member association's presidents, general secretaries, national team coaches and technical directors of all OFC members associations.

The General Secretary of the Oceania Football Federation, Tai Nicholas, said that nominees will be judged based on their performances from mid-July 2007 to the last day of 2008.

"I am delighted there is a women's category, particularly after the quality of football witnessed at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup hosted by New Zealand," she said.

Story and photograph courtesy www.matangitonga.to

Action image by Vanessa Smith 2007

Fiji Football Association (FFA) president Doctor Muhammad Shamsud din Sahu Khan is ready to get his hands dirty this season by taking an active role in the ground work of Fiji soccer.

First on the list is assistance to soccer districts affected in the recent flash flooding as the Ba-based lawyer, after the Fiji FA Board of Control meeting on Sunday, will take an active leadership role to close critics’ mouths.

“We have agreed that I will lead a development committee as we have a very revamped programme for 2009. We have changed a lot of programmes starting with the changes of dates for our calendars because of the recent bad weather,” he added.

“We have set aside $200,000 which will be sorely used for development. Starting this year every Super Premier district must have an Under-18 league which will supplement the needs of the Under-20 division. They are also required to have at least two women’s football clubs.”

“We are going to be strong on development where full time development officers will be employed in the West (2), South (2) and also the North. They will be charged with development programmes and I will personally see that work will be done because we have set aside a substantial amount of money for this programme.”

Dr Sahu Khan led the ground work immediately after the BOC assessing damages to his districts from the recent flash flooding.

“Some of our affiliate districts were severely affected and we would provide technical assistance to help them start the new season.”

He said the bad weather forced a redraw in the 2009 fixtures starting with the Pillay Garments Champion Versus Champion Series between Ba and Lautoka on February 7 & 21.  Ba will also play in the Oceania League on February 14 while the National Soccer League, which a sponsor is expected to be announced tomorrow, will kick-off on February 28.

He said the Fiji Bitter FACT will be in Suva on the Queen’s Birthday Holiday in June, the Battle of the Giants which will be played over two weeks could be in Labasa, while Nadi will close the curtains with the Courts Homecentres IDC at the Vodafone Prince Charles Park.

Dr Sahu Khan added that the future of national coach Juan Carlos Buzzetti is under discussion after Fiji’s performances in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Oceanian Qualifiers, 2008 OFC Nations Cup, OFC Men's Olympic Football Tournament and OFC U-20 Championship last season.  

Story courtesy www.fijilive.com

AUCKLAND – A 0-2 defeat to Finland on Wednesday night in Guangzhou, China ensured the Football Ferns finished winless in their Four Nations campaign, but their coach believes the tour’s long-term benefits would prove invaluable.

 After a lifeless and scoreless first half, the Scandinavians – ranked seven places above New Zealand in the world rakings – scored twice after the break to finish their tournament on a high.
China and South Korea, who each beat New Zealand and Finland in the first two rounds, were due to meet overnight to decide the Four Nations title.

New Zealand coach John Herdman said a couple of errors again cost his side but his frustration was mitigated by the opportunity to size up young players as he begins to build a side for the 2011 Women’s World Cup and 2012 Olympics.

“It was pretty evenly matched game with each side cancelling the other out and neither side able to dominate. It looked like it was going to be a real solid defensive effort but we just lost concentration,” Herdman said.

“We made a few changes after the first goal, and it wasn’t until Annalie Longo and Betsy Hassett moved into central midfield that we began to look like the ‘new’ New Zealand we’re aiming to become.

“Until then we got drawn into playing Finland at their own game. They’re direct and like to move the ball long from the fullbacks or central defenders – it reminded me of our team at the 2007 World Cup.

“But in the last 25 minutes with our young players like Longo, Hassett, Wall, White and McLaughlin leading the attack we looked our most threatening.”

Eleven of the 18-strong Football Ferns squad were selected from the New Zealand U-20 World Cup squad, and while players like Abby Erceg, Ria Percival and Katie Hoyle are already long-established in the senior side, Herdman says the newer players have not missed the chance to push claims for consideration in his long-term plan.

“The beauty of this tour is we’ve been able to give promising young players enough game time for them to show us what they’ve got over three internationals

“Hannah Wall deserves a mention for an impressive debut tour and it’s been a breakthrough trip for Betsy Hassett who’s shown her ability in both the centre and on the right of midfield and now is a key part of the squad.

“We’ve also had the opportunity to introduce players like 15-year-old Rosie White into senior football, and time will show how much impact that has on her game, and our future.

“We’ve immersed these young players in a new level of football and been able to discover what they need technically, tactically and even physiologically to build on their experience.”

Herdman was expected to name an extended 30 player Football Ferns training squad in late January, and select 18 of those players in February to travel to the eight-nation Cyprus Cup in March.

Four Nations Tournament
Guangzhou, China
January 14, 2009

Football Ferns 0 Finland 2

 Halftime 0-0.

New Zealand: Jenny BINDON (GK), Ria PERCIVAL, Abby ERCEG, Kristy HILL, Anna GREEN, Betsy HASSETT, Hayley MOORWOOD (Captain / Caitlin CAMPBELL 60), Katie HOYLE (Hannah WALL 52), Kirsty YALLOP (Annalie LONGO 57), Amber HEARN (Sarah McLAUGHLIN 73), Emma KETE (Rosie WHITE 33).

Substitutes not used: Aroon CLANSEY (RGK), Elizabeth MILNE.

Head Coach: John Herdman

AUCKLAND – A late flurry of goals – including a brace from 17-year-old substitute Hannah Wall – was not enough to prevent the Football Ferns losing a 4-3 thriller to Korea Republic in the Four Nations tournament in Guangzhou, China on Monday night.

Korea scored directly from a corner in the fifth minute then took advantage of poor marking from a free kick 10 minutes later to lead 2-0 at halftime, but Amber Hearn’s powerful header from Betsy Hassett’s cross narrowed the gap on the hour.

Two goals in five minutes extended the lead to 4-1 with 15 minutes remaining, but Wall – playing just her second full international – struck in the 85th and 89th minutes as the Ferns chased hard for a share of the points.

While Wall’s second goal – a back-post header – set up a exciting few minutes of injury time for the Guangzhou crowd, she already had them out of their seats when she smashed a left footed shot into the top left corner from the edge of the area for her first.

“It was a strike with the sort of quality we’re not used to seeing,” said New Zealand coach John Herdman.

Between Wall’s goals, another impressive teenage substitute Annalie Longo was cut down in the box after beating three defenders, but Kirsty Yallop smashed the resulting penalty onto the crossbar.

To add to the drama, some New Zealand players appealed to the assistant referee, claiming the ball had landed over the line before bouncing out but the score remained 4-2.
Herdman praised the spirit of his side to fight back on the scoreboard but said it was a case of a victory that got away.

“All night we thought we would win and the players kept playing like it until the bitter end,” Herdman said.

“We’ve out-battled them and tactically out manoeuvred them so to come in two goals down from set pieces at halftime in a game where they otherwise haven’t troubled you leaves you scratching your head.

“We have to talk about these defensive errors we seem to be making because they’re uncharacteristic of this New Zealand team, although the flipside is that they’re probably the easiest thing to work on.”

“However, we scored three goals from open play tonight and that’s a new standard for a Football Ferns team.”

“I’m not comfortable [with the result] but we’re getting better. We’re still not as threatening as we’d like to be given all the possession and territory, and we have to ask ourselves why we’re not pushing ahead.”

Rosie White was handed her first start at senior level and Herdman said the 15-year old striker showed flashes of real promise.

Combative midfielder Katie Hoyle and fullback Anna Green both returned to the Ferns’ starting line-up and had strong games, while striker Amber Hearn was singled out by her coach for an “Alan Shearer-like job” in leading the front-line.

New Zealand finish their Four Nations campaign on Wednesday night against Finland, who lost to tournament leaders China 0-1 in Monday’s other game.

Four Nations Tournament
Guangzhou, China
January 12, 2009

Football Ferns 3 (Amber HEARN 60, Hannah WALL 85, 89) Korea Republic 4
Halftime 0-2.

New Zealand: Jenny BINDON (GK), Ria PERCIVAL (Elizabeth MILNE 75), Abby ERCEG, Kristy HILL, Anna GREEN, Betsy HASSETT (Annalie LONGO 72), Hayley MOORWOOD (Captain), Katie HOYLE ( Hannah WALL 62),  Kirsty YALLOP, Amber HEARN (Sarah McLAUGHLIN 83), Rosie WHITE (Emma KETE 65).

Substitutes not used: Aroon CLANSEY (RGK), Caitlin CAMPBELL.

Head Coach: John Herdman

Four Nations Tournament

Standings 13.01.09

Results

New Zealand 3, Korea Republic 4

China 1, Finland 0

Remaining Schedule

January 14

New Zealand v Finland, Guangzhou (10pm NZT)

China vs Korea Republic

Story and image courtesy New Zealand Football Media

For the latest news in New Zealand football please visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

AUCKLAND – The Football Ferns know plenty of hard work lays ahead of them before the 2011 World Cup, after an eye-opening 0-6 defeat at the hands of China in their Four Nations Tournament opener in Guangzhou.

A superb free-kick from Yan Bi inside two minutes set the scene for China, who went two goals up with another set piece in the 20th minute, before a four-goal onslaught in the second half – including three goals in the last 20 minutes – left no room for a Football Ferns comeback.

New Zealand coach John Herdman said after closely matching the Chinese in the first half, his side just couldn’t adjust when China’s third goal 10 minutes after halftime signalled a change of pace in the game.

“We were disappointed to be two nil down at halftime, but China just found another gear and we couldn’t live them when they upped the tempo,” Herdman said

“We had chances, we had possession but we’re just not ruthless enough in front of goal and our defending and goalkeeping at times wasn’t great.

“The frustrating thing is that it seemed that every time China got into the box they scored, whereas we’re not as clinical as that.”

There were some positives for Herdman, including the performance of Betsy Hassett and captain Hayley Moorwood in central midfield, and the chance to blood four uncapped teenagers as the Football Ferns look to build a new side for the 2011 World Cup and 2012 Olympics.

Winger Hannah Wall and fullback Liz Milne were handed starts and had “steady” debuts while strikers Sarah McLaughlin and Rosie White got their first taste of a full international off the substitutes bench during a period of wholesale changes in the second half.

All-in-all ten U-20 players were used, and Herdman vowed the newer members of the squad would get plenty of learning opportunities when the Football Ferns take on Korea Republic on Monday and Finland on Wednesday.

“This tour is all about development, so we’ll continue to experiment with players and combinations so that we can walk into preparation for the Cyprus Cup in March able to look at the tactical, physical, and psychological work needed for these players.”

“We’ll give some more of the younger players an opportunity to start against Korea because it’s important they get to know the intensity at this level.”

“They’re coming in and realising that the game is far quicker, and that they not only need to increease the pace of their movement but their speed of thought as well.”

In the day’s earlier game, Korea Republic beat Finland 4-0 to sit second behind China on goal difference.

Four Nations Tournament
Guangzhou, China
January 11, 2009

New Zealand 0 China 6
Halftime 0-2.

New Zealand: Jenny BINDON (GK), Ria PERCIVAL, Abby ERCEG, Kristy HILL, Elizabeth MILNE (Anna GREEN 55), Hannah WALL (Caitlin CAMPBELL 60), Hayley MOORWOOD (Captain), Betsy HASSETT (Annalie LONGO 60), Kirsty YALLOP, Amber HEARN (Sarah McLAUGHLIN 65), Emma KETE (Rosie WHITE 55).

Substitutes not used: Aroon CLANSEY (RGK), Katie HOYLE.

Head Coach: John Herdman

Story and image courtesy New Zealand Football Media

Please visit www.nzfootball.co.nz for the latest news in New Zealand football

AUCKLAND – The Football Ferns begin a two-and-a-half year journey to the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup with their Four Nations opener against China in Guangzhou on Sunday.

After increasingly confident and competitive performances against major nations in 2008, head coach John Herdman said 2009 would begin the search for the right the tactics and players needed to reach a new level by the time they reach the Germany-hosted finals.

“Every game is a step towards where we want to be in 2011, where we can consistently beat top teams,” Herdman said.

“That journey starts now, and if we don’t look to change the way we play then we’ll we can’t expect to break through that ceiling.”

A behind-closed-doors training match on Thursday night against the Korea Republic – who the Ferns meet in their second Four Nations match on Monday – gave Herdman the perfect opportunity to “experiment with a few things” and start building a new style of Football Ferns play.

“It’s the first time for a long time we’ve had a training game against international opposition where you can take the pressure right off the players and focus of process goals.”

“We need to be a team who can control the tempo of game even against the best teams, so Thursday night was all about , keeping possession in any area of the pitch, setting new benchmarks for pass completion rate and genrally living in a new skin.”

New Zealand lost the training match 0-4 to the Koreans, thanks to “two good goals and two bad mistakes” but Herdman was happy to use the exercise to trial a new formation and introduce four uncapped teenagers to international football.

“We’ve been able to sample young players and gauge what contribution they can make.

“They would have learned a lot international football at this level as well. It’s quicker, players are stronger and you’ve got to be smarter.

“We’ll continue to develop them on this tour, as it’s a precursor to the Cyprus Cup in March and an opportunity to ensure we have the right mix of players for that tournament and beyond.”

Herdman singled out U-17 and U-20 winger Hannah Wall as the most impressive of the newcomers on Thursday and indicated the Wellingtonian would press hard to make her full international debut as part of the walk-on eleven against China.

Departing from a traditional 4-4-2, Herdman unveiled a new formtion on Thursday night – with attack-minded captain Hayley Moorwood in a slightly unfamiliar role at the base of a midfield diamond.

The Ferns coach wouldn’t be drawn as to whether the new shape would be used against the Chinese, but did confirm it formed part of his long-term plans.

“We still haven’t got a Han Duan, Birgit Prinz or Christine Sinclair – a player who can turn a game even when their team is playing badly, so tactically we need to be flexible and have a trump card up our sleeve.”

Meanwhile, first choice goalkeeper Jenny Bindon joins the team in China on Friday fresh from trials in the USA in time to suit up against the tournament hosts.

Four Nations Tournament, Guangzhou, China
Football Ferns v China
January 11, 1.05am (NZT)

New Zealand: (from) Jenny BINDON (GK), Aroon CLANSEY (GK), Caitlin CAMPBELL, Abby ERCEG, Anna GREEN, Kristy HILL, Elizabeth MILNE, Betsy HASSETT, Katie HOYLE, Annalie LONGO, Hayley MOORWOOD (Captain), Ria PERCIVAL, Kirsty YALLOP, Amber HEARN, Emma KETE, Sarah McLAUGHLIN, Hannah WALL, Rosie WHITE.

Head Coach: John Herdman

Story and image courtesy of www.nzfootball.co.nz

AUCKLAND - Auckland’s Lynn-Avon United continued their dominance of the Women’s Knockout Cup in Saturday’s final, notching their eighth title with a 6-2 victory over Christchurch’s Western at North Harbour Stadium.

Having won exactly half of the competition’s 14 previous finals – including six titles since 2000 – Lynn-Avon were heavily favoured to add to their collection, and it took just over twenty minutes for the Aucklanders to grab the upper hand.

Melissa Ray tucked the ball past Megan Andrew from close range to open the scoring and Amber Hearn was on hand two minutes later to nod home Emma Kete’s blocked shot and double the lead.

In the 28^th minute, Hearn then turned provider, of sorts, forcing a sharp save from Andrew who could only parry Hearn’s powerful effort into the path of Katie Hoyle for a 3-0 halftime lead.

Western’s best chance was the game’s first, a 12-yard shot on the angle from Aimee Phillips saved by Ashleigh Cox, who had a quiet time compared to the constant barrage endured by Andrew at the other end.

A combination of offside calls, poor finishing and quick reflexes from Andrew kept the score down as Western battled bravely but were ultimately outclassed by a team loaded with past and present internationals.

Vicky Rainbow – on as a halftime substitute – made it 4-0 seven minutes after the restart with a delicate lob into the top right corner from the edge of the area following some goalmouth pinball.

Bridgette Lawry’s back post tap-in in the 63^rd minute was the first of two consolation goals for Western – the second an audacious long range effort from Aimee Phillips a minute from full time.

In between, Lynn-Avon’s front pairing Amber Hearn and Emma Kete each netted in the 72^nd minutes to complete a convincing eighth victory.

Lynn-Avon captain Kirsty Yallop – who enjoyed double delight by also lifting the MVP trophy – said their special relationship with the trophy and the departure of veteran players gave them no shortage of motivation.

“Definitely being here before and winning it now for the eighth time, it’s pretty important to our club to maintain that status,” Yallop said.

“We’re pretty excited. We definitely came here for one thing only and that was to win today and to send the players who are leaving us next year out on a good note.”

Yallop paid special tribute to former international Terry McCahill who has been part of all eight cup-winning Lynn-Avon sides.

“I don’t think words can describe how important Terry is to this club and to the team and it’s just awesome to give her a win again. We’re a bit disappointed we didn’t give her the league and cup double.”

“We didn’t play to our best today but we did enough to get the win and it was pretty convincing win at that.”

Story and photographs courtesy New Zealand Football Media

15^th Women’s Knockout Cup Final
North Harbour Stadium
September 13, 2008

Lynn-Avon United 6 (Melissa Ray 20, Amber Hearn 22, Katie Hoyle 28, Vicki Rainbow 52, Emma Kete 72, Hayley Moorwood 72) Western AFC 2 (Bridgette Lawry 63, Aimee Phillips 89)

Lynn-Avon United: 1-Ashleigh Cox (GK), 2-Jenny Carlisle, 3-Melissa Ray (7-Sam Selwyn 46), 4-Terry McCahill, 9-Emma Kete, 10-Dana Humby, 11-Kirsty Yallop, 14-Hayley Moorwood, 16-Katie Hoyle (12-Vicki Rainbow 46), 17-Sarah Gregorious, 18-Amber Hearn (6-Rebecca Burrows 77).
Substitutes not used: 13-Yvonne Vale (RGK), 8-Elloise Morris, 15-Kelly Drummond
Coach: Dene Gilmore / Jill Gilmore

Western AFC: 17-Megan Andrew (GK), 2-Bridgette Lawry (4-Sharon Marshall 75), 3-Leigh Alexander, 5-Lauren Harkerss (11-Dayna Napa 52), 6-Aimee Phillips, 7-Sharlotte Lucas, 8-Rebecca West (16-Karen Almond 75), 9-Alice Pilgram, 12-Mel Anngow, 13-Rachel Oliver, 14-Kelly Jarden
Substitutes not used: 1-Olivia Jefferis (RGK), 10-Emily Roberts.
Coach: Kelly Jarden

Referee: Anna-Marie Keighley
Assistant Referee 1: Wayne Scott
Assistant Referee 2: Pat Zhang
Fourth Official: Renee Silvester

FIFA and the Local Organising Committee are pleased to announce that the media accreditation process for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2008 is now open via the FIFA Media Channel. The deadline for accreditation applications is 19 September 2008.

The top 16 teams from the six confederations will take part in the tournament, which will be held in New Zealand from 28 October to 16 November in the host venues Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton and Wellington.

Successful applicants will be notified and provided with further information in due course. All applications are subject to confirmation. Also, please be advised that international applicants are responsible for their own visas.

FIFA Media Channel

Media representatives who have not already registered for the FIFA Media Channel can do so at http://mediachannel.extranets.fifa.com/RegProc.aspx

The FIFA Media Channel is the primary communication channel between FIFA, the Local Organising Committee of each FIFA competition and the accredited media.

This password-protected online service is designed to provide media professionals with details on activities, including press conferences, team training sessions and other media resources, information on competition media facilities, including stadium media centres (SMCs), ticketing, FIFA and LOC media contacts, and any special media announcements. Moreover, all media accreditation requests for all FIFA competitions have to be made via the FIFA Media Channel.

For more information on the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, please visit http://www.fifa.com/u17womensworldcup

NOUMEA - Women's youth football will take centre stage at Paita as Federation Caledonienne de Football's (FCF) FIFA Goal Project is put through it's paces by age group teams from across New Caledonia.

The FIFA Goal Project at Paita was opened in a blaze of celebrity as FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter and Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) President Reynald Temarii joined Federation Caledonienne de Football (FCF) President Claude Fournier in May as part of the Karembeu Jubilee celebrations.

FIFA and OFC Ambassador Christian Karembeu said the facility represented a major boost to football across the island territory.

"When I grew up in Lifou we did not have such facilities to play and train on. All we had was a bumpy ground and the most basic resources.

Paita will be great for developing young talent and gives New Caledonia hope of a bright future."

Karembeu's compatriot Antoine Kombaure - coach of Valenciennes and another New Caledonian-born professional football star - echoed his sentiments.

"This facility is a great initiative and I am certain a new generation of stars will be found here to take football forward."

FCF will host a one day football promotion at the facility on Saturday August 23 - as a precursor to hosting all domestic women's football competitions at the centre this season.

Two 7-a-side age group tournaments will be organised, one for the U-13 age group, the other for U-16's.

A spokesperson for FCF said that registration for the 7-a-side tournament would be open until 09H00 on Saturday morning and encouraged youngsters to form their own teams and assemble at Paita where their team would be registered free of charge.

For more information contact Lucie Moyatea +687 84 54 58 or Eric Altmeyer +687 96 35 90. 

FIFA GOAL PROJECT PAITA NEW CALEDONIA PHOTO GALLERY

www.oceaniafootball.com relives some of the magical moments of the FIFA Goal Project inauguration at Paita, New Caledonia, May 31, 2008.

HISTORY MADE: The plaque at Paita heralds a new era for football in New Caledonia

FOR THE GAME. FOR THE WORLD: FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter and FCF President Claude Fournier address the media after the cutting of the ribbon

A BRIGHT NEW DAWN: Christian Karembeu, Claude Fournier and FIFA President Joesph S. Blatter watch the festivities as the people of Paita extend a warm welcome.

OLD SCHOOL: New Caledonian-born former Paris Saint Germain, Nantes, Aberdeen and Sion FC star Antoine Kombouare shows children from the OFC Youth Festival hows its done

KIDS FOR KAREMBEU: Christian Karembeu is swamped on the 18 yard box at Paita as children seek autographs from the one time FIFA World Cup™ winner.

AUCKLAND - The Football Ferns were left to rue bad luck and a horror start after losing 0-2 to Canada in the Peace Queen Cup on Wednesday night.

The shock of a first minute goal to Christine Sinclair was topped by a red card for reserve goalkeeper Rachel Howard – two minutes after coming on as a halftime replacement for Jenny Bindon.

In just her second international, defender Kristy Hill was forced to don a borrowed pair of gloves and finish the game in goal. That she only conceded the resulting Kara Lang penalty was testimony to a courageous 10-player fight-back that denied Canada any threatening chances from open play in the second half.

With less than a minute played Canadian goal-machine Sinclair created enough of an opening on the edge of the area to squeeze off a curling shot over the outstretched leg of her marker.

Story and photographs courtesy New Zealand Football Media 

For the full story click here

For all the latest news and updates at New Zealand Football please visit www.nzfootball.co.nz  

Football Ferns defender Kirsty Hill dons the goalkeeper gloves after the sending off of Rachel Howard

New Zealand's Emma Kete breaks through the Canada defence 

Canada celebrate the final whistle and a place in the Peace Queen Cup Final 

AUCKLAND – The Football Ferns are aiming to shake the hangover of Monday’s history-making Peace Queen Cup win over Argentina by claiming the scalp of world number nine Canada in Suwon on Wednesday.

A confidence boosting but energy sapping 1-0 win over the South American champions – their first outside Oceania since 1993 – kept alive New Zealand’s hopes of making the Peace Queen Cup final, but with a four goal margin victory needed to overhaul the group leading Canadians, head coach John Herdman would happily take a second taste of victory.

“We’re in a tournament so we have to treat it as such, and take a run at making the final” Herdman said.

“That’s the dream goal, but the key is to get a result against a top tier nation.”

Adding extra incentive to Wednesday night’s Group A decider, is the fact that the ninth ranked Canadians offer a pointer to the three teams – Japan (world number 10), Norway (4), and USA (1) – Herdman’s side will meet in August.

Story and photographs courtesy of NZF Media...

For the full story click here

For all the latest news and updates in New Zealand Football please visit www.nzfootball.co.nz 

AUCKLAND – The New Zealand Football Ferns gave their Olympic preparation a timely boost, and kept their hopes of making the Peace Queen Cup final alive with an historic 1-0 win over South American champions Argentina in Suwon, Korea on Monday night.

Former Arsenal striker Amber Hearn got the only goal of the game – her first at international level – in the seventh minute, heading home from six yards after the Argentinean goalkeeper could only tip Rebecca Smith’s 35 yard free kick on to the cross bar.

New Zealand dominated the first half and could have led by more at the break but had to withstand a second half fight-back from the South Americans to record the first win for any New Zealand football side over Argentina.

Story courtesy NZF Media

For the full story click here

For the latest news and updates from the Peace Queen Cup please visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

AUCKLAND – The Football Ferns head into a Peace Queen Cup showdown in Suwon against Argentina on Monday night (NZT) ready to weather a South American storm and keep their hopes of a finals place alive.

New Zealand lost 2-1 to Korea in the opening game of the tournament while Argentina sit bottom of the group after a 5-0 loss to Canada, meaning both sides need a win to have any hopes of winning Group A and making Saturday’s final.

As extra motivation the Football Ferns can claim New Zealand’s first victory at any level over the football powerhouse, although head coach John Herdman says it’s just part of the picture.

"It’s a massive opportunity to make a bit of history, but first and foremost the players want the three points to keep the dream of making the Peace Queen Cup final alive," Herdman said

Story courtesy of NZF Media

For the latest news and updates from the Peace Queen Cup please visit www.nzfootball.co.nz  

AUCKLAND -With the number of TV viewers in the millions for last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in China, there’s no wonder FIFA believes ‘The Future of Football is Feminine.’Harold Mayne-Nicholls, Kelly Simmons, Heike Ullrich and Juerg Nepfer at Monday's FIFA Com-Unity seminar in Auckland.

 The top echelon of FIFA officials were in Auckland yesterday emphasizing the growth of the women’s game in the first of four regional FIFA Com-Unity seminars. The seminars, which will follow in Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton, are facilitated regularly around the globe to help national associations build relationships with key government officials, NGO’s, sponsors and media.

Story courtesy NZF Media...

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AUCKLAND - The Football Ferns begin the three match trans-Tasman series against World Cup quarterfinalists Australia on Saturday chasing a rare goal.

Despite resilient defensive performances in 2007 that included narrow losses to China, Denmark and Australia, the Football Ferns’ record of one goal in the last 10 internationals leaves room for improvement at the other end.

While that recent record might not strike fear into an Australian side that went through the World Cup group stage unbeaten before losing to finalists Brazil, New Zealand coach John Herdman says his team is ready to take the next step.

Saturday, March 1

Australia vs. New Zealand

Women's International Friendly

Stockland Park, Sunshine Coast

Kickoff: 4pm (7pm NZT)

Story and photograph courtesy NZF Media...

Click here for the full story

PORT MORESBY – Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and EMTV are pleased to announce live coverage of the OFC Women’s Olympic Games Qualifying match between Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.

OFC and EMTV will bring live coverage throughout Papua New Guinea of the do-or-die qualifier from 14H00hrs local time on Saturday 8^th March, 2008, with match commentary from Papua New Guinea international Andrew Lepani and former Papua New Guinea women’s international Cathy Davani.

The match will be played on International Women’s Day and has won the endorsement of Dame Carol Kidu, Papua New Guinea Minister for Community Development.

Dame Carol said the broadcast of a women’s football match on such a momentous occasion was a first for Papua New Guinea and would help raise awareness of key social issues in the region such as HIV/AIDS awareness and domestic violence.

Fiji TV will screen the match delayed with details yet to be finalised.

OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas said the broadcast was a direct outcome of the OFC Television Seminar in Tahiti last year and paid tribute to EMTV CEO Glenn Armstrong and PNGFA President David Chung in helping make television history.

“EMTV and the PNGFA have worked diligently to ensure this match was broadcast and OFC is delighted to have played a key role in facilitating this process.

OFC is making great progress in developing its television strategy across the region and we’re hopeful of making further announcements in the near future,” Nicholas said.

Papua New Guinea qualified for this play-off after winning the XIII South Pacific Games Women’s Football Tournament gold medal after a 3-1 extra-time victory over Tonga in Apia, Samoa.

That followed up an earlier runners-up finish at the OFC Women’s Championship held in Lae, Papua New Guinea, in April, 2007 – Papua New Guinea’s highest ever placing at an OFC women’s tournament.

New Zealand will start as red-hot favourites to win the play-off after making its debut appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup – China 2007 and playing host to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in November, 2008.

Coach John Herdman will take his team to play warm-up matches against Australia prior to arriving in Port Moresby.

AUCKLAND - Do you want tips on how to make it to the top in coaching or refereeing – or simply some advice on starting out in these areas? 

Then come along and listen to England coach Hope Powell and FIFA'S Head of Women's Refereeing, Sonia Denoncourt, who will be holding seminars for elite and grassroot coaches/referees in February

The roadshow - taking in the four host cities of Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch - is part of the legacy approach to the FIFA U-17 Women's Women's World Cup to be hosted by New Zealand Football from October 28-November 16.

England Coach - Hope Powell OBE    
Distinguished by her dreadlocks, Hope played street football with her brothers before starting as an 11-year-old with Milwall Lionesses. Five years later, she played her first game for England and gained 66 international caps. On her retirement as a player in 1998, Powell was appointed England women's national team coach, with responsibility for the senior, Under-19s, Under-17s and Under-15s sides. At the age of 31 she was the youngest ever person to be given the job. Powell leads the way in motivating women to succeed at all levels in football; she is the first woman to achieve the UEFA Pro Licence; is a member of the English Football Hall of Fame, and in 2002 became an Officer of the British Empire for her services to women’s football.  Hope is also a FIFA Coaching Instructor.

Link courtesy New Zealand Football Media 

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SUVA - With the rain teeming down and squad preparation adversely affected the Fiji Football Association (FFA) has reluctantly postponed the Women's Inter District Cup (IDC) tournament that was set to kick-off at Govind Park, Ba, on Friday.

FFA CEO Bob Kumar confirmed the decision yesterday in a statement to local media and said the continuing unfavourable weather conditions had affected the playing surface and preparation time for the teams.

"We have taken the weather and the timing in consideration and called it off," Kumar said.

"It will now be played at a later date which we will announce at a later date."

The decision to postpone was not made easily with women's football in Fiji experiencing a boost after the women's national team performed impressively at the XIII South Pacific Games - Samoa 2007 where Farouk Janeman's team won it's pool before losing in a dramatic semi-final against Tonga.

Fiji later clinched the bronze medal after beating Tahiti 1-0 thanks to a goal from Unaisi Vatulili.

The three day IDC tournament was set to get the ball rolling on another busy Fiji football season.

This will coincide with the National Club Championships (NCC) zonal play-offs.

All districts need to nominate their clubs by Friday.

"We have informed the districts that only those clubs will be accommodated," Kumar said.

"Club that finish on top after the completion of the local league."

"Districts can't nominate clubs through knockout or just by having the leaders of the competition half way."

This has meant districts like Suva will not have their clubs play in the NCC.

Suva has failed to finish its local league.

"The clubs are the ones who should push the districts to complete the local league," Kumar said.

"Most districts tend to just concentrate on the National Soccer League and tournaments but forget the local league."

FIJI JOY: Fiji women celebrate qualification for the semi-finals of the XIII South Pacific Games - Samoa 2007 

TIANJIN, CHINA – The Football Ferns’ final FIFA Women’s World Cup group match against China in Tianjin has been postponed for a day due to Typhoon Wipha.

The match was due to kick-off at 8pm Wednesday (midnight Thursday NZ time) but will now be played 24 hours later due to a Typhoon sweeping through the Shanghai area.

On Tuesday, FIFA decided for safety reasons to postpone Wednesday’s Brazil-Denmark match in Shanghai, and the Group C match between Norway and Ghana in neighbouring Hangzhou, breaking from the established FIFA protocol of playing final group games at the same time.

Hours before Wednesday night’s kick-off FIFA subsequently announced New Zealand’s match against the hosts in Group D, and Australia’s match against Canada in Group C were also postponed – despite being unaffected by Typhoon Wipha – to allow for all group matches to be played simultaneously as originally scheduled.

All four rescheduled matches have a bearing on deciding the playoff places for their respective groups.

The match will be shown live on Sky Sports 3 at 12am Friday NZ time (8pm Thursday China time).

Story courtesy of NZF Media...

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WUHAN, CHINA - Brazil took their goal tally to nine in two games after banging in four against China to all but guarantee a quarterfinal spot on matchday five of the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Two goals each to Marta and Christiane inside 70 minutes ensured an easy win for the Selecao while China must now beat the Football Ferns and improve their goal difference substantially if Denmark beat Brazil on Wednesday.

Marta’s second double in as many games takes her to the top of the golden shoe race with four goals ahead of Christiane and Australia’s Lisa De Vanna whose late equaliser against Norway keeps both teams equal at the top of Group C.

Meanwhile, Canada kept their quarterfinal hopes alive by beating Ghana 4-0 and must now beat Australia in their final group game to prevent the Australians from progressing out of the group stages for the first time in four attempts.

Story and images courtesy NZF Media and FIFA Media...

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