PNG faces New Zealand

Australian-based PNG coach Gary Philips is now sweating over a tactical approach to handle New Zealand in today’s OFC Women’s Nations Cup decider at the Kalabond Stadium in Kokopo, East New Britain Province.

The third match on Wednesday will make little difference, as this match will decide who qualifies for next years FIFA World Cup in Canada.

The odds are heavily against PNG, considering the Football Ferns have 10 professional players based in Germany, Japan, USA, England and Sweden.

Whilst PNG is a team that pays to play…their counterparts are a few levels up getting paid to play. It’s a tough call for Philips, who can’t call on too many level heads, with the squad dominated by promoted under 20 players.

Philips yesterday said whilst they missed too many chances on Saturday…the chances will be fewer today.

Philips said: "Whilst we were more proactive against the Cook Islands, tactics will definitely change, but with the lack of top level experience it will bring the best out of PNG."

"We need to respect our opponent’s years of experience and come up with a strategic plan that is best for us," he said.

Philips said everything is on the line.

"The team is building and it takes time, but in saying that soccer is a funny game and anything can happen on the day," Philips saod

Philips said they have a few injuries including goal-keeper Fidelma Watpore and several others with bruises.

He added that it’s now all about who is willing to go that extra mile physically and mentally.

Whilst Philips did not announce his starting 11, it’s likely the more seasoned Rumona Morris, Zeena Limbai, Barbra Muta and Georgina Kaikas, who were on the bench in the first match, may have been rested for this match.

Whilst the normally aggressive Fatima Rama needs to push her weight around and be that antagonist to support of key players in skipper Deslyn Siniu, Sandra Birum and Daisy Winas.

For NZ, skipper Abby Erceg, just completing a milestone 100th cap for her country will be a pillar of strength with cohorts Katie Hoyle, Hayley Bowden and Rebekah Stott, Ali Riley and prolific goal-scorers Sarah Gregorious, Amber Hearn and Rosie White to push their goal.

Attacking back Ria Percival, did the damage on PNG in both the 2007 and 2010 editions, where NZ won 7-0 and 11-0 respectively.

The match will be at 2pm. The earlier match at 11am will be between Tonga and Cook Islands.

PNG Today / Post Courier