Football Ferns’ acting head coach Michael Mayne says though he was disappointed with the final result, the New Zealand team could take positives from their 4-1 loss to Japan.
In his post-game interview, Mayne said he was “really pleased with the adjustments we made from game one, and how we came into the game (in the) first half, and really executed the principles that we wanted.
“Obviously, to take that lead into half time was massively positive so now we’re just going to think about how we can turn that into a 90-minute performance.”
Mayne said teenage striker Milly Clegg had taken her opportunity well, starting the game and scoring her first goal for the Ferns.
“She’s definitely put her hand up to be part of that conversation looking towards the Olympics,” he said.
Of the Paris Olympics — when the Ferns play their next games — Mayne said: “The main thing is that we don’t have to fear these big teams at all.”
READ MORE: Football Ferns squander good start to lose 4-1 to Japan in international friendly >>>>
Result
Game played on Tuesday, June 4, 2024
New Zealand 1 (Milly Clegg 23′)
Japan
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