The Football Ferns have arrived in Dunedin ahead of their make-or-break World Cup group match against Switzerland on Sunday.
Needing a win to guarantee a spot in the round of 16, they’re hoping a vocal sellout crowd will help them create history - again.
Upon landing in the deep south, they were made to feel right at home, with the deep south joining the rest of the country in being gripped by Ferns fever, as the hoards of autograph hunters would attest.
"I know that the crowd's sold out so I hope Dunedin and the surrounding areas can experience football at this level," said Ferns goalkeeper Vic Esson.
And the stakes couldn’t be bigger as the Football Ferns prepare for the highest stakes contest in NZ World Cup history.
A draw between Norway and the Philippines could also be enough to see them through to the knockout stage, but the New Zealanders are eager to decide their own fate..
"We're excited to play," Esson added.
"We've got something to play for, which is a great place to be at this stage of the tournament, and I think everyone's excited for the challenge."
As are Switzerland, who are also looking to create history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time.
"I won't speak about their weaknesses but I'm sure we will find some and look to take advantage of that," said swiss goalkeeper Gaelle Thalmann.
The Swiss have called Dunedin home during the World Cup. It’s been their base for the last two weeks.
But they’re under no illusion who the sellout crowd of almost 25,000 will be cheering for come Sunday.
"It will be wild because it's the game that will decide who's going through, so there will be even more pressure."
If the Football Ferns are feeling that pressure, they're doing a good job of hiding it.
"Nothing changes," said Esson. "We just have to stick to our processes."
A process the Football Ferns are hoping doesn't end in Dunedin.
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