New Zealand’s women’s Olympic team are out of Paris 2024 after a narrow defeat by France, going down 2-1 against the hosts in Lyon. 

The Ferns put in a strong performance against the world number 2 but were unable to get a result to see them get out of the group. 

France began the stronger side but the Ferns defence were able to keep their dangerous attackers at bay, with Anna Leat putting in a great performance in the New Zealand net. 

The hosts opened the scoring in the 22nd minute. 

Winger Sandy Baltimore, a major threat throughout the game, beat her marker to put in a dangerous cross which fell to PSG striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto. 

Katoto’s shot was initially blocked by Anna Leat but she latched on to the rebound to finish from close range. 

With half-time approaching, and having weathered a number of French attacks, New Zealand found an equalizer, and in some style. 

A throw-in found Kate Taylor who controlled the ball on her chest and volleyed in from long-range past Pauline Peyraud-Magnin in the French goal. 

It was a spectacular finish, a contender for goal of the tournament, and saw the sides enter the changing room level at 1-1 at half-time. 

Unfortunately for New Zealand the next goal fell to the hosts. 

PSG left-bank Sakina Karchaoui sent a low cross into the box which was finished from close range by Marie-Antoinette Katoto to restore their goal advantage. 

New Zealand pushed to find a way back into the game but couldn’t make a break-through against their highly ranked opponent, with the match ending 2-1. 

Speaking after the match head coach Michael Mayne said:

“I think we've pushed as hard as we could against a very, very good side.

“I can't fault the effort of the team, we technically tried to do a couple things to push and get what we could out the game.

“That was by far, I think, the best performance out of the three, which is what we've been trying to work on. 

“But again, too little too late, and again, we've pushed a very good side.”
 

Article added: Wednesday 31 July 2024