New Zealand qualifies for FIFA 2015 World Cup

New Zealand retained their title as the Oceania Football Confederation Womens Soccer champions. New Zealand beat Cook Islands 11-0 yesterday. The Football ferns confirmed their favoritism tag to win their third consecutive Nations Cup and qualify.

Zealand leading goal-scorer Amber Hearn further raised her tally to 44, following her four-goal effort. Helen Collins (2), skipper Abby Erceg, Ria Percival, Rosie White, Rebekah Stott and Betty Hassett aslo contributed to the goal fest.

The New Zealanders were quick in their structural play out wide opening up opportunities for their flankers to score with ease. Cook Islands made several scoring opportunities through their strikers Dayna Napa, Liz Harmon and Lee Maoate Cox but were given no chances by the New Zealanders tight -knit defence.

The Football Ferns will now wait for the world event. Coach Tony Readings said despite pulling off big score lines against Tonga and Cook Islands and having to go through PNGs strong defence, the task ahead was even more challenging.

He said there will be a couple of lead up games after this before the world Cup, but for now they will be going back to New Zealand to prepare. Cook Islands Coach Jimmy Katoa said New Zealand deserved to win as they played a more structural game plan.

He said they will now focus on their defensive play and will have to improve on that before next year’s South Pacific Games. In the second game PNG women stood out tall after a gutsy performance winning Tonga 3 – 0 to claim the second spot overall.

"Our girls played exceptional well in the first half," said coach Garry Philip. PNGs Marie Kaipu scored a double, and for a four goal effort. Others that featured were captain Deslyn Siniu, Barbara Muta and JudiothGunemba for the win.

Meanwhile the Golden Boot best player went to Amber Hearn of New Zealand, Golden Glove award went to PNG goal keeper Fedelma Watpore and Golden Ball award went to Rosie White of New Zealand.