Algarve Cup: Ferns beat Belgium to proceed to semifinals

The New Zealand women’s national team is competing at Algarve Cup, a traditional women’s football friendly tournament hosted in Portugal. The Ferns are competing in the tournament alongnside some of the most important football teams of the planet, as Germany and Norway.

The Ferns battled hard in their first match in the tournament – quaterfinals stage – against the 17th placed team at FIFA Women’s football rankings Belgium – see here New Zealand starting XI. In the first half, Olivia Chance player from Bristol City in England scored for New Zealand – his first international goal for her country.

New Zealand could not secure their lead until the final whistle; at the 90th minute of play Chloe Velde scored the equalizer for Belgim to force the decision to be at penalty shootout. Since the 72th minute New Zealand were playing with only ten, as the central defender Claudia Bunge was sent off.

Both sides scored all their first five penalties in the process. In the decisive penalty series, Belgium missed its 6th penalty but CJ Bott could not capitalize her penalty and kept the series tied. The goalkeeper Erin Nayler came up as hero after saving the final penalty of Belgium and Daisy Cleverley scored the goal that sent New Zealand to the semifinals.

The Football Ferns will take on Italy that defeated the hosts Portugal in the quarterfinals by 2-1 for a spot in the grand final. Germany and Norway will make the other semifinal of Algarve Cup.