The past
The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup has proven a relatively happy hunting ground for New Zealand. In their maiden appearance at Russia 2006, the Junior Football Ferns became only the second side in New Zealand’s history to avoid defeat at a FIFA finals by earning a highly creditable draw against the mighty Brazil. Two years ago in Chile, it got better for the young New Zealanders who defeated the host nation and, but for an injury-time equaliser from England in the final group game, would have become the first Kiwi side to reach the knockout stage of a FIFA tournament.

The present
Fielding a number of players from Chile 2008, the New Zealanders romped through Oceania qualifying in January. The Junior Football Ferns easily overpowered Cook Islands, Tonga and American Samoa and won all three matches without conceding a goal.

The future
With the backbone of the squad having already tasted World Cup football at either U-17 or U-20 level, coach Tony Readings will be optimistic that experience will push the team one step further than the class of Chile 2008. A number of players have also progressed to senior level, notably captain Anna Green, plus prolific goal-sneak Rosie White. Last year White collected the OFC Player of the Year award at the tender age of just 15 having scored hat-tricks on the world stage at both Chile 2008 and New Zealand 2008.

Facts and figures
Former stars
Abby Erceg (2006-2008), Ali Riley (2006), Kirsty Yallop (2006),

Key players
Anna Green (defender), Hannah Wall (forward), Hannah Wilkinson (forward), Rosie White (forward)

Qualifying statistics
New Zealand roared through the Oceania qualifying competition on home soil in Auckland. Scoring 27 goals they also kept a clean sheet in their three matches.

The numbers game
9 – Rosie White was top-scorer for New Zealand in the qualifying campaign bagging nine goals in just three appearances.