Wellington: The New Zealand government has extended its congratulations to the national team following their participation in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Sport and Recreation Minister, Grant Robertson, expressed gratitude to the team for their remarkable achievements during the tournament. He praised the team for their inspiring performance, securing a victory in their opening match, and showcasing skill and determination throughout all their games.
Despite their best efforts, New Zealand faced disappointment in their bid to make history in the Women’s World Cup. They concluded their home campaign with a third-place finish in Group A after a disappointing draw with Switzerland. The Kiwis aspired to progress to the round of 16, but the draw, combined with Norway’s comfortable victory over the Philippines, resulted in the co-hosts being eliminated at the group stage based on goal difference to Norway.
The month-long 2023 World Cup, jointly hosted by New Zealand and Australia, commenced on July 20. While the team may not have advanced as far as they hoped, Robertson emphasized the lasting impact and legacy that the Football Ferns have left for women’s football in New Zealand. Their participation in the prestigious tournament has undoubtedly played a significant role in promoting and growing the sport among women in the country.
