Football Ferns bounce back with hard fought win over Argentina

New Zealand have gotten back to winning ways after they saw off a determined Argentina 2-0 at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

With both sides losing on Matchday One of the Cup of Nations this clash in Brisbane was always going to be willing affair.

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The Football Ferns started like a house on fire, dominating possession and playing the match almost entirely in Argentina’s half.

They should have made it count after seven minutes, Rosie White’s tame one-on-one effort easily collected by Argentine goalkeeper Vanina Correa.

From there the match turned into a real arm wrestle with New Zealand’s attack consistently caught offside as they grew frustrated.


Whatever head coach Tom Sermanni said at half-time clearly had an effect as barely five minutes after the restart they had found the back of the net.

Katie Rood showed fantastic awareness to be perfectly placed when the ball deflected into her path from a save from substitute shot-stopper Laurina Oliveros.

Argentina responded well and began to fashion more clear-cut chances of their own but the Kiwi defence repelled everything thrown at them.

New Zealand would then put the result beyond doubt in simply spectacular fashion.

Battle


Half-time substitute Bott gathered the ball about 30-yards out and unleashed an unstoppable rising shot that left Oliveros flapping at thin air as the ball sailed past her and into the back of the net.

Argentina would again look dangerous but lacked the clinical edge required to find a way past a side ranked number 19 in the world.

A good bounce back for the Football Ferns while Argentina have nothing but pride left to play for when they take on the Westfield Matildas in their last match.

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