The Football Ferns have bounced back from last week's trouncing against the USA with a 2-1 win over Mexico in New York.
In a match played behind closed doors, Rosie White opened the scoring with a penalty in the 24th minute and Sarah Gregorius doubled the lead before halftime against the world number 26.
Mexico's goal came in the second half when Lizbeth Ovalle scored in the 81st minute.
Football Ferns coach Tom Sermanni was pleased with his team's performance and admitted New Zealand were unlucky not to have scored more.
"It was a good result, but we made it more difficult than we should have," said the Scotsman.
"We were up 2-0 at the break and were looking comfortable, but over the course of the 90 minutes, we hit the crossbar three times and the post once.
"We allowed Mexico back into the game with a late goal, but those things are good to happen now and not later."
The result came six days after they were thumped 5-0 by world champions USA in Missouri.
The extra preparation for the Mexico match was a significant factor in the Football Ferns's improved showing, according to Sermanni.
"It also helped that we had four good training days. Players have settled in and are in the time zone.
"Training has been more dynamic, especially compared to the US game, because we didn't have much training for that.
"We still have some ways to go, but there were lots of promising signs today."
The Football Ferns now travel to the UK for warm-up matches against England and Wales on June 2 (NZT) and June 5, before their World Cup scheduled starts against the Netherlands on June 12.
Sermanni feels England, who are ranked third in the world, will provide the perfect match-up before the showpiece event.
"It is a type of game where we're going to be tested and will be a good benchmark 11 days out from our first game.
"Under the circumstances, it is an ideal opponent."
Newshub.
