KEY POINTS:
The New Zealand players are bracing themselves for a tough time when they kick-off their Fifa Under-20 Women's World Cup campaign against Nigeria in Coquimbo tomorrow morning.
For the nine players fresh from the Under-17 tournament in New Zealand, this promises to be a massive step up against the bigger, taller and obviously physically stronger Africans.
"I can't guarantee it will be a pretty game," said New Zealand coach John Herdman. "They [the Nigerians] might be under-20 but they look like over-40s.
"They will be fast and strong. It will be a scrappy game at times. Our analysis shows they will press you all over the pitch for 90 minutes and will try to impose themselves down the middle of the park."
New Zealand, drawn in group A, will probably be happy with a point against Nigeria, who are regarded as probably the team to beat in their group.
A point would represent a decent start, with matches to follow against hosts Chile and England. A top-two finish would book a quarter-final spot and give the game here a huge boost as the first New Zealand team to progress beyond pool play.
They will get no favours from the African champions, although Herdman feels, tactically, the Junior Football Ferns may be better served.
"Every game is winnable, but we are going to have to bring our A game," he said. "Nigeria are one of the oldest teams here. They were knocked out at the quarter-final stages at the last under-20 tournaments - by Germany in a penalty shoot-out, then 2-1 by Brazil. It will be tough."
Herdman has some big calls to make in naming his starting XI. He has a handful of under-17 players pressing for places and knows they have had recent match play to back their claims.
In what might be a surprise move, he could favour Bridgette Armstrong ahead of under-17 captain Bri Fisher as Abby Erceg's partner at centre-back.
He is almost certain to play Caitlin Campbell and Anna Green as his fullbacks while Charlotte Wood, who missed New Zealand's three under-17 matches after being injured before the tournament, seems set to play in goal ahead of Victoria Esson, who did a sound job here.
Rosie White, New Zealand's Under-17 hat-trick hero, is likely to be given her chance on attack, with Renee Leota likely to be preferred ahead of Sarah McLaughlin and Merissa Smith, initially at least.
Ria Percival should start at right half and could be joined in midfield by Katie Hoyle, Betsy Hassett and Hannah Wall.
While the Junior Ferns are relying on youthful exuberance, Nigeria have two from their Olympic team, Rita Chikwelu and Ulunma Jerome, who are playing in their tournament at this level.
NZ v NIGERIA
* Estadio Francisco Sanchez Rumoroso Coquimbo, Chile
* Tomorrow 7am (NZ time) live SS3.
New Zealand (likely): Charlotte Wood, Caitlin Campbell, Abby Erceg, Bridgette Armstrong, Anna Green, Ria Percival, Katie Hoyle, Betsy Hassett, Hannah Wall, Rosie White, Renee Leota. Substitutes: Victoria Esson, Annalie Longo, Chelsey Wood, Merissa Smith, Elizabeth Milne, Bri Fisher, Nicole Stratford, Grace Vincent, Sarah McLaughlin, Rebekah Brook.
