Soccer: Ferns go down in opener

The Football Ferns lost to Netherlands 4-1. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand have dropped their opening match at the Cyprus Cup women's soccer tournament, going down 1-4 to the Netherlands in Nicosia this morning (NZt).

Substitute Sarah Gregorius netted New Zealand's goal 15 minutes from time when she latched on to a Anna Green cross, but by that stage the Ferns were already trailing by three first half Dutch goals.

The Dutch cracked the New Zealand defence for their fourth goal in the 85th minute.

The Netherlands opened the scoring in the 22nd minute and added two more in the 25th and 44th minutes after errors from the normally sound defensive pairing of Rebecca Smith and Abby Erceg who was making her 50th international appearance.

A disappointing first half was compounded by an early ankle injury to fullback Hannah Wall who now looks to be out for the tournament while goalkeeper Jenny Bindon, who injured a knee in training during the week and was replaced by Aroon Clansey in today's line-up, remains doubtful for New Zealand's next game against Switzerland at Larnaca on Saturday morning (4am NZt).

In the day's other Group B encounter, France defeated New Zealand's next opponent Switzerland 2-0 while England and Mexico, who the Ferns meet at the World Cup, both notched impressive results with England beating Italy 2-0 and Mexico holding Russia to a 0-0 draw.

Scores: New Zealand 1 (Sarah Gregorius) Netherlands 4. Halftime: 0-3.

- NZPA