KEY POINTS:
After breaking a long drought with three goals in their last two matches against Australia, the New Zealand women's team are expecting a goal rush in today's Olympic qualifier against Papua New Guinea.
Thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecast for Port Moresby along with temperatures up to 35C, but New Zealand coach John Herdman is confident his players have enough class to prevail.
"Most of our players have experienced playing in Papua New Guinea in World Cup qualifying last year, so know what to expect," Herdman said.
"There'll be a hostile crowd and the pitch won't be great. It'll be extremely hot and humid and Papua New Guinea will put 11 players behind the ball and try to frustrate us.
"But if we're patient, the goals will come because we've got the quality."
Herdman is likely to reward the players who pushed World Cup quarter-finalists Australia hard this week, although he is mindful of utilising squad depth to field a fresh line-up after a testing series in Australia, and cover for one enforced change.
Defender/winger Ali Riley has returned to the United States for her Stanford University exams giving Hannah Bromley a rare start in the centre of defence, with Abby Erceg moving to fullback.
Striker Merissa Smith continues in her new right midfield role after scoring her first international goal from that position on Wednesday, while Germany-based'keeper Rachel Howard looks set for start in goal.
Twenty-year-old Emma Kete and 17-year-old Renee Leota are likely to again link together up front, with New Zealand's most capped player, Wendi Henderson, used for impact off the bench along with Simone Ferrara and Kirsty Yallop.
Yallop scored twice in last April's 7-0 victory over Papua New Guinea while Erceg, Ria Percival and Hayley Moorwood were also among the scorers when the Football Ferns qualified to their first World Cup in 16 years.
Papua New Guinea qualified for the Olympic playoff with the Football Ferns after winning the gold medal at the South Pacific Games in Samoa last year. As reigning Oceania Champions, the Football Ferns were seeded to the playoff stage of qualification.
Fifa will award the winners of the playoff direct entry to the Beijing Olympics, although New Zealand's nomination faces ratification by the NZ Olympic Committee.
NZ V PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Port Moresby, today 5pm (NZT).
New Zealand: (likely) Rachel Howard, Abby Erceg, Maia Jackman, Hannah Bromley, Ria Percival, Merissa Smith, Hayley Moorwood (Captain), Emily McColl, Annalie Longo, Emma Kete, Renee Leota.
Substitutes: Jenny Bindon, Simone Ferrara, Kirsty Yallop, Wendi Henderson.
- NZPA
