The Football Ferns’ 1-0 defeat to South Korea in Christchurch this afternoon has slightly tarnished their return home.
Today’s friendly match in Garden City was the Ferns’ first in New Zealand in four years, and they came just inches from snagging a late draw.
When Liv Chance took her shot at goal in the 80th minute, Orangetheory Stadium was on its feet. However, the ball hit the woodwork and shot out again, leaving the Kiwis trailing by one goal.
Chance and Indiah-Paige Riley both had opportunities earlier, but the late shot represented the Kiwis’ best chance of winning the game after Lee Min-a gave them the lead in the 31st minute.
In the Football Ferns’ first match in Christchurch since 1991, South Korea took the lead after Min-a converted a beautiful pass from Choo Hyojoo. This lead would prove to be sufficient.
It was the 10th loss in 15 games for Ferns coach Jitka Klimkova since taking over last year and was their seventh loss in 14 games against the Koreans since 1995.
On Tuesday’s friendly rematch, the Football Ferns and Klimkova will return to the same location for a second chance to win in Christchurch.
South Korea defeats the Football Ferns after a late equaliser is unsuccessful.
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