The Football Ferns have recorded an important win in their Women's World Cup build-up, defeating Norway 1-0 in Spain.
Striker Rosie White capitalised on an early lapse by the Scandinavians and veteran Abby Erceg marshalled the New Zealand defence to keep them at bay for the remainder of the match.
Norway are ranked 12th in the world, seven spots above New Zealand, and this result marks the first time the Ferns have beaten a higher-ranked team since 2015, when they defeated Brazil.
- Football Ferns spoilt for choice for World Cup selection
- Erceg's return built on restored confidence in national set-up
- Sermanni picking up the pieces from Heraf debacle
The performance was also their best since Scot Tom Sermanni took over as coach last October.
Under his guidance, New Zealand qualified for the World Cup through the Oceania confederation, and will face Canada (fifth) and the Netherlands (eighth), along with Cameroon, in pool play in France during June-July.
Newshub.
