Soccer: Football Ferns down Wales in friendly

The New Zealand women's football team kicked off the final stage of their preparations for the World Cup with a 2-0 win over Wales in the Matchworld Cup in Savise, Switzerland this morning (NZT).

Amber Hearn met a Anna Green cross with a diving header to put New Zealand 1-0 ahead in the seventh minute and the Football Ferns got just reward for their dominance when fullback Green added a second after bending a 79th minute free kick around the wall.

Midfielder Hayley Moorwood came on at halftime to earn her 64th cap, equalling Wendi Henderson's record for appearances in `A' internationals.

New Zealand open their World Cup campaign against Group B rivals Japan in 12 days and coach John Herdman was pleased to be building momentum.

"It was a really professional performance today. We looked like a team heading to a World Cup," said Herdman.

"We were very solid against a well organised Welsh team. We were able to make lots of changes in the second half and still keep the pedal to the floor which was really good to see."

The Ferns play fellow World Cup finalists Colombia on Sunday (NZT) before wrapping up preparation against Denmark on Tuesday morning (NZT).

"Colombia are a team peaking for the World Cup so that'll be a real test and the Danes are the middle of their season and looking very sharp. The Danes are strong, powerful athletes and the Colombians are technically proficient. They'll be different challenges but the exciting thing is that you'll see teams peaking and ready to play off against each other," said Herdman.

Result: New Zealand 2 (Amber Hearn, Anna Green) Wales 0. Halftime: 1-0.

- NZPA