The Football Ferns have lost their second international friendly against Colombia 1-0 in Bogota today after a second-half defensive mix-up.
After a 0-0 draw on Sunday and a scoreless first half, Colombia broke the deadlock in the 71st minute when, after an attacking corner, the ball fell to Daniella Montoya on the right and about 15m outside the penalty area, her speculative cross missed by both skipper Katie Bowen and goalkeeper Anna Leat, both of whom appeared to think the other had it covered.
It was Colombia’s first goal in three matches and, given the Football Ferns’ similar inability to score on a regular basis – they have now scored five in 16 – an equaliser was unlikely.
It made the decision by coach Jitka Klimková to withdraw forward Jacqui Hand, one of New Zealand’s most dangerous attacking players, midway through the second half even harder to understand.
Hand was involved in her side’s best scoring opportunity just after the hour mark when she was set up via an excellent run and cross from the right by Paige Satchell but her powerful shot was saved by goalkeeper Catalina Perez.
Played behind closed doors at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo (a good crowd was present for Sunday’s draw), and next to an amusement park, there was precious little entertainment in the first half.
Colombia gave the ball away at the back several times in the opening 15 minutes but New Zealand couldn’t capitalise.
Ava Collins had the best early chance in the 21st minute when the ball fell to her in the box but her tame shot was off target.
Similarly, at the other end the dangerous Mayra Ramirez had a chance in the penalty area but trod on the ball after a good defensive effort by Michaela Foster.
Colombia, ranked 22nd in the world to New Zealand’s 26th, had made six changes to their starting line-up and pushed the early play.
Hand had a penalty claim turned down when she fell at the far post when contesting a Foster corner, with Betsy Bassett having the best chance of the half for New Zealand when allowed to run and shoot – her strike saved by Perez.
The second half began in livelier fashion with chances for both sides – Hand making a great run down the right and crossing to the near post but Grace Jale, in good position, missed the ball.
At the other end, Catalina Usme fired over the crossbar from just outside the box.
Leat had to make a good save when tipping a shot from Ramirez around her left post but New Zealand were passing the ball far better and were not outclassed.
The mix-up between Bowen, celebrating her 100th match for New Zealand, and Leat proved the difference, although Ramirez had a late penalty claim turned down when challenged in the box by Leat.
It’s abundantly clear New Zealand lack a cutting edge up front, but a potential glimpse of the future was given in the 78th minute when prolific youth scorer Ruby Nathan, 18, ran on for her full international debut.
She worked hard up front during her short time on the field and will presumably be heavily involved in the Football Ferns’ next assignment: the Oceania World Cup qualifying tournament in February.
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