Football Ferns head coach Jitka Klimková. Photo / Photosport
Football Ferns head coach Jitka Klimková. Photo / Photosport
The Football Ferns are set to be back in action next month, with South Korea mooted as a possible opponent.
The continuity will be welcomed by staff and players, off the back of the two game series against Canada, which concludes in Montreal on Wednesday (12.30pm).
"It's good that wehave another tour coming up," said coach Jitka Klimková. "It's a great opportunity and we will be fresh … it's not about leaving for 18 months and bringing the team back."
The Ferns have had a variety of opponents over the years, but Klimková left no doubts about her wish list for upcoming fixtures.
"[We want] the best," said Klimková. "[Canada] have just won the biggest tournament [Olympics] but this is what we need; we need those games, we need those challenges.
"We are going to experiment [with players] but we still want to play those games that are the most challenging. This is the best preparation for the World Cup. We will play in the World Cup against those teams so why should we play different opposition?"
Klimková then added that she had been "thinking about Korea" recently and even before the current series, which indicates they are possible opponents, although a NZF spokesperson said no opponents or matches have been finalised or confirmed.
If it eventuates, South Korea would be ideal opponents.
With a world ranking of 18th (the Ferns are No 23), they are technically proficient, with the same kind of possession-based style that Klimková is trying to implement with the Ferns.
They are also resolute, shown by a 0-0 draw with world champions USA in Kansas last week.
Canada celebrate during their 5-1 victory over the Football Ferns on Sunday. Photo / Photosport
Looking to Wednesday's game, Klimková confirmed there would be "a couple" of tweaks to the starting XI.
"We are going to make changes, we are going to give the opportunity to the younger ones and we are going to have new starters."
The main focus is fixing the defensive system. The Ferns were stretched all over the park in Sunday's 5-1 defeat, particularly in the second half.
Canada played through the lines with ease, and wreaked havoc out wide, overloading each flank. That pulled players out of position, leaving holes centrally, which were exploited.
"We have to get better with our defensive shape," said Klimková. "We need to keep our shape, trust our shape. It doesn't matter if the ball is central, left or right, if the ball is coming to us, we need to put the pressure on, that was missing because our shape was exploited."
Klimková also wants the Ferns to be braver on the ball, after some promising moments last Sunday.
"We want to play out more, not just long and kicking the ball," said Klimková. "The best part of the game was when we kept the ball; that is the way we want to play; that is the new phase of the Ferns."
Klimková's brave new world also encompasses youth, with Ava Collins one of three debutants last Sunday. Collins, who is based at St John's University in New York, impressed with her energy and drive as a second half substitute, winning the penalty that Ria Percival converted.
"It was unbelievable when Ava stepped on the field," said Klimková. "She was the loudest one, asking for the ball, demanding the ball. That is how we want to be; proactive on the field."
Collins is one of six rookies in the team, as Klimkova tries to broaden the base of talent.
"It's a next level step up, but everyone has been so welcoming," said Collins. "I'm learning and trying to be better every day. [I want] to play like I always play and try to be as confident as possible. I see it as opportunity for the taking and that is what I have tried to do."
