KEY POINTS:
Buoyed by the Young Ferns bold showing in the inaugural Fifa Under-17 Women's World Cup, the New Zealand under-20 team today flies out to Chile for their World Cup.
Nine players from Paul Temple's under-17 squad who performed above expectations in that tournament which ends on Sunday, are in the 21-strong Junior Ferns squad. They are joined by other players who have performed at senior international level, including the Beijing Olympics.
"It's a bit of a race against time but there is a little bit of experience there that is going to help you on the way," said Herdman. "
The squad has had just four days together this week but given their international experience and, for almost half the squad, recent match play, there is plenty to bolster their chances.
"Is it optimal preparation for a pinnacle event? Probably not," said Herdman, "but there are a lot more positives to outweigh the negatives."
Many feel this team is well-equipped to make the step up and become the first New Zealand team to progress beyond pool play at a Fifa tournament.
It is felt the draw has been kind to Herdman's team with an opening game, on Thursday, against Nigeria followed by the keenly-anticipated clash with the hosts, also in Coquimbo, three days later.
Their last group match is against England on November 27. The quarter-finals will be played on December 1-2 with the semifinals on December 5 and the final on December 8.
