KEY POINTS:
New Zealand have been handed a crystal clear understanding of what is required if they intend being anything more than a gracious host of the inaugural Fifa Under-17 Women's World Cup later this year.
Paul Temple's Young Football Ferns were overpowered 4-0 by Germany as the goals flowed on the opening day of the Future Stars tournament at North Harbour Stadium last night. USA earlier trounced Australia 6-0 to kick-start the five-day precursor to the October 28-November 16 World Cup here.
Germany and USA's opening-day dominance was hardly surprising given that the two countries have won eight of the 11 Fifa World Cup and Olympic Games titles between them.
New Zealand took solace from holding Germany to a solitary second-half goal and also had efforts from Lauren Mathis, Annalie Longo and Caitlin Campbell saved by goalkeeper Lisa Schmitz. But the Young Ferns ultimately lacked the fitness, finesse and finishing of the Germans who arrived in Auckland fresh from 8-0, 10-0 and 6-1 European qualifying wins over Israel, Bulgaria and Norway respectively.
