This Under-20s squad went to their World Cup in Costa Rica with ambitious intentions. A group built largely around last season’s Wellington Phoenix squad, helmed again by Gemma Lewis (with Natalie Lawrence in assistance), and having served up a couple very tasty performances against Australia earlier in the year, meant that those hopes were more than justified. This may have been the first youth World Cup since the pandemic but there may never have been a better prepared Aotearoa to rock up one of these things.

But ambitious intentions don’t necessarily translate into success. The Junior Ferns were given a really tough group with Mexico, Germany, and Colombia on the cards. A task that looked even tougher when they kicked off their first game directly after seeing Colombia defeat multiple-time former champs Germany. Women’s football is exploding into orbit these days with huge fan growth leading to more commercial investment and as much as this squad stands out compared to other New Zealand teams... most other nations are riding their own waves too. Just gotta go out there and put your best foot forward, as they say. Then see if the breaks go your way.

GAME ONE VS MEXICO

The Aotearoa U20s got underway with a very gruelling and pretty impressive 1-1 draw against Mexico. It’s a testament to the quality in that team that a draw felt a bit underwhelming (or at least not something to celebrate wildly) but realistically they did well to get what they did. Really had to battle to hold on towards the end in some unforgiving Costa Rican heat with the 2pm local time kickoff not exactly aiding the cause.

Gemma Lewis picked the same starting eleven in all three matches. That team had several expected faces but also a few positions that felt fully up for grabs after a lot of rotation through the two Australian series. The starters that Lewis settled upon: Murphy Sheaff in goal, one of the three USA university based players. Captain Kate Taylor of the Wellington Phoenix was joined at CB by Jana Niedermayr of Eastern Suburbs (though formerly of Central football). Marisa van der Meer played left back, she was at Melbourne City last season. Tupelo Dugan was a surprise right back conversion, usually a wide attacking player. Dugan a former Welly Nix Academy player and now at Arizona State University.

Then moving into the midfield, two of the older players in the group anchored things in Grace Wisnewski and Aniela Jensen. Wisnewski most recently of the Phoenix. Jensen at uni in the States. Alyssa Whinham played in front of them fresh from signing that multi-year Nix contract. And up front Ava Collins and Ava Pritchard (Collins of St John’s Uni, Pritchard last of the Welly Nix) covered the flanks while the youngest player in the squad, Milly Clegg of Auckland United, led the line.

It was Clegg who had the first shot at goal and with the kiwi backline moving the ball around smoothly there were some positive signs early on. But Mexico soon took control with their sharp off-ball movement and their speedy wingers – an achilles heel that this team suffered from in every game. The good news is that Mexico’s finishing was rank average and even when they did get something on target Murphy Sheaff was more than up to the task. Impressive performance from Sheaff, who beat out Brianna Edwards and Rylee Godbold for the gloves.

Then also we had Kate Taylor being an absolute gun at the back imposing herself on everything. Plus to be honest Mexico’s chances weren’t exactly of the highest quality either. Lots of shots but not too many of them where they’d have been expected to score.

Then Grace Wisnewski picked up the ball in transition and carried it from halfway to approach the penalty area. She probably should have looked for either of her wingers overlapping but with the defenders standing off she was instead invited to shoot. That shot took a big deflection and although the MEX keeper did get two hands to it she couldn’t parry it away. Credited as an own goal... which feels harsh.

One key save to make and she wasn’t able to. Whereas Murphy Sheaff continually made all the saves she was expected to make plus one superb tip over the top in the second half. That was one of the key differences between the teams on the day, a major reason why Mexico failed to win.

Except the Junior Fernies couldn’t hold on until half-time. Bummer zone. Bit of a sloppy one conceded to Anette Vasquez with the break in sight and the teams were back on level terms. Granted 1-1 was probably a better reflection of the game thus far.

The NZers came back out strong to start the second half with Milly Clegg again heavily involved. Alyssa Whinham too, of course. Yet after about the sixty minute mark things began to trail off fast. Clegg went down with cramp. Taylor went down with cramp. Wisnewski went down with cramp. Dugan and Jensen appeared to take knocks. Ave Collins copped a few heavy blows. Marisa van der Meer looked utterly gassed. Those hot and humid Costa Rican conditions taking their toll.

That attritional cost prevented the NZers from pushing for a winner in the latter stages, which was a shame as despite having far less ball in the attacking third they’d shown a capability to create chances. But gotta remember the A-League players are all several months into their offseason and in these conditions that was never gonna be easy. However they (somehow) managed to lock it down for the draw.

It wasn’t often pretty but under the circumstances they had to be satisfied with that. There was a lingering feeling that if they were a little sharper in possession, or even if they’d held that clean sheet into half-time, then this was a game they could well have won. But on the face of it, it was probably one they ought to have lost so best not to get greedy.

Aniela Jensen was a standout for the Aotearoa side. She was called up to the Footy Ferns for their series against Canada last year when travel restrictions ruled out a lot of regulars. Ava Collins also got a call-up for that tour, going on to debut and feature several more times. Jensen didn’t get capped but that experience does show where she’s at. The 20yo brought poise and technique in the passing game and also a fair bit of strength on the ball too. And next to her was the tireless and combative Grace Wisnewski. Goalscorer (minus a technicality) and another leader on the park. So good to see her back on the footy pitch.

Then chuck in the usual plaudits for Kate Taylor... and save a few for Murphy Sheaff and Jana Niedermayr too, neither of them were guarantees to start and both looked more than solid. Tui Dugan put in a fine showing at right back too despite it not being her natural spot.

NZ U20s vs Mexico: Murphy Sheaff | Tupelo Dugan (Zoe McMeeken 70’), Jana Niedermayr, Kate Taylor (Te Reremoana Walker 80’), Marisa Van Der Meer | Grace Wisnewski, Aniela Jensen | Alyssa Whinham (Charlotte Wilford-Carroll 80’) | Ava Pritchard, Milly Clegg (Charlotte Lancaster 63’), Ava Collins

GAME TWO VS GERMANY

It was hard to know what to expect against Germany, a perennial force at youth level (and senior level, let’s be fair) except they’d lost 1-0 to Colombia in their opener. Obviously they’d be a huge challenge for a squad from New Zealand but, tell ya what, they didn’t look too flash in this game. Definitely not in the first half. Germany had undeniably great technical players but similar to Mexico they weren’t the best at finishing. Plus there was a surprising messiness in their play which manifested in poor touches and a susceptibility at the back. Things which suggested that maybe, just maybe, the Ferns might be able to do something here.

Both teams nearly scored early due to opposition mistakes. An awful back pass from Jana Niedermayr was bailed out by a superb Murphy Sheaff save after five mins (Niedermayr was otherwise really good) and after twelve minutes it was nearly 1-0 at the other end instead as Alyssa Whinham tackled the last defender and had Milly Clegg alongside her with only the keeper to beat but a heavy touch allowed said keeper to slide in and gather up the ball.

Germany had to make two subs in the first half because of injuries, the first after a head knock, which probably disorientated them... to go with the pressure of having lost in game one. However outside those high press instances the kiwis weren’t creating anything. Even Whinham was struggling for space. And the worry was that two-day turnaround after a tough game against Mexico would be a strain on the kiwi players’ fitness, especially late in halves. The 11am kickoff was at least slightly kinder than the last one.

As the first half wore Germany exerted a growing level control on the match. The Junior Ferns got lucky when a Sheaff pass was charged down only to end up comfortably back in her hands. Kate Taylor made a brilliant block for another chance. A couple yellow cards in there for fouls to prevent counter attacks (a regular theme from a team that had more yellow cards in the group stage than any of the other 15 nations in attendance in Costa Rica). They did the job though. Still 0-0 as half-time came around. A lovely spot to be in.

But it wasn’t to last. Germany made a couple tactical subs ten mins into the second spell and then scored pretty much immediately. Ria Clara Fröhlich with the powerful header from a corner. Sheaff was able to get a hand to it but not able to keep it out. To be fair, Germany’s corner kicks had looked dangerous from the get go.

There was a tackle on Aniela Jensen that drew a VAR check to be sure it wasn’t a red card offence. Slight shades of Kosta Barbarouses versus Costa Rica there but no dice, merely a yellow. Then Tui Dugan conceded a penalty sliding in late and Sophie Weidauer buried it on 64’ for that crucial second goal. The Frauen also headed one off the post soon after. The Junior Ferns weren’t looking like scoring. Two goals were always likely to be decisive. Bugger.

But credit where it’s due because the Aotearoa team did muster a response. Ava Collins almost got on the end of a McMeeken through ball but the German keeper was swift off her line. Grace Wisnewski forced a save after Collins had played her through (albeit that one would have been called back for offside). The substitutes got amongst the fun too as Charlotte Wilford-Carroll drew a save trying her luck with the goalie out of position and Te Reremoana Walker had a header off target from a corner.

It was a strong push towards the finish line, keeping that energy up all the way to the end. But then with players committed forward for that consolation goal the Germans got out on the counter and Gia Cymone Corley pushed the score out beyond flattery with a 94th minute goal. 3-0 to Germany was the end of it.

2-0 would have been fairer, especially after a decent first half, but the kiwis simply didn’t have it in them to deal with the variety of ways that Germany could attack. A set piece goal, a penalty goal, a counter attacking goal. None came from being broken down in shape... but still they were easily beaten in the end. Aotearoa unable to turn pressure into chances the way that Germany were. So it goes.

A couple standout players... Ava Collins was impressive. Especially in the second half after she moved from the wing to centre-forward (as she did in every game after Milly Clegg was subbed off). Aniela Jensen had another strong showing in the midfield. And of course Kate Taylor was gassed towards the end, needing treatment with about ten to play, because she was absolutely everywhere especially in that first half. What a talent. Just a shame the team couldn’t kick on after that scoreless first half.

NZ U20s vs Germany: Murphy Sheaff | Tupelo Dugan (Zoe McMeeken 71’), Jana Niedermayr (Te Reremoana Walker 71’), Kate Taylor, Marisa Van Der Meer (Ruby Nathan 85’) | Grace Wisnewski, Aniela Jensen | Alyssa Whinham (Charlotte Wilford-Carroll 71’) | Ava Pritchard, Milly Clegg (Charlotte Lancaster 58’), Ava Collins

GAME THREE VS COLOMBIA

That left the Junior Fernies needing a 2-0 win against Colombia to advance to the knockouts. A single-goal win would not be enough due to the poor goal difference. Had to find a way to raise the bar at both ends. An early goal would certainly help with that, an early goal that looked a lot like this perhaps...

Or an early goal that looked exactly like that. Big switch of play from Tui Dugan finding her opposite fullback in some space. Those switches of play weren’t as common as they should have been throughout this tournament mostly because they weren’t as accurate as they should have been. But this one was class and Marisa van der Meer then pushed a beautifully weighted pass towards Milly Clegg, with the 16yo slicing through her closest marker before expertly curling in the finish. 1-0 inside three minutes. The perfect beginning.

Milly Clegg had a relatively quiet first couple games. As the youngest player in the squad her minutes were managed more than others, subbed off around the hour mark in all three matches. There were a few half-decent chances in the first game that fell her way, displaying hints of her centre-forward instinct, but only hints. Then came this goal and all was clear to see.

Milly Clegg and Alyssa Whinham stand out in this squad because they’re exactly the types of players that this country has always struggled to develop. Whinham is a free-flowing creative force who operates between the lines and can beat players with skill. Clegg is a legit number nine, a great finisher with sharp instincts and the size to hang with top defenders (particularly as she gets a bit older). The meg and the finish were all class but don’t sleep on the clever movement that got her into that spot in the first place. The Football Ferns are desperate for that kinda thing. Clegg is still a few years away from that kinda contention and Whinham is on the borderline but help will arrive eventually.

Annoyingly the Ferns then got themselves into repeated trouble not because of their insistence on playing the ball out from the back but because of sloppy touches, inaccurate passes, and frantic decisions within that tactic. They did the right thing in continuing to try and build up from defence even after Gisela Robledo let them off the hook with a couple missed opportunities after cheap giveaways. You don’t throw the plan out the window at this stage of the process. But if you want to win games at this level then you simply have to be better at executing.

Thus ten minutes into the contest Linda Caciedo displayed some sharp feet to get into a shooting position and then lashed in a wonderful equaliser. This one wasn’t directly due to a bad back pass or whatever but it came after several failed attempts to progress the ball out of the Ferns’ danger area. They invited the pressure by not being sharp enough to drag the game into the other half of the field. Great goal but that’s what can happen.

You saw Ava Collins and Alyssa Whinham dropping quite deep after that to bring a couple reliable techniques into that build up which helped steady things. Then Aniela Jensen whipped in a superb free kick from the left side that almost saw the kiwis back in front. The keeper had punched away the tasty initial cross but only as far as Kate Taylor who side-foot lobbed it back over and on target but Angela Baron headed it clear off the goal-line.

After which the true soft spot of the Aotearoa defence became clear. The sloppy build-up play was correctable but there was nothing could be done about the searing pace of the Colombian forwards. Gisela Robledo was all over it. Should’ve had a hat-trick inside half an hour but her finishing didn’t match the rest of her game. Just like the NZers couldn’t match the Colombian speed any time they attacked with a bit of room.

Marisa van der Meer got injured in a tackle that earned her a yellow card (which would have suspended her for a knockout tie), Zoe McMeeken coming on at right back after 28 mins with Tui Dugan swapping to the left. It was getting a bit frisky... when all of a sudden the referee got notice of a random VAR check. Nobody seemed to have any idea what it was for – which was a nervous wait as it could have been a foul by a Ferns player. Turns out that Yirleidys Minota had sprigged Ava Pritchard on the calf (that even Pritchard didn’t seem to make a fuss about).

The tackle looked bad on replay but there wasn’t much power in it and given that Pritchard had appeared suddenly from Minota’s blind spot, making that effort play to track back after Colombia switched the ball into space, it’s hard to see any deliberate antics either. Plenty of mitigating factors yet ‘looking bad on replay’ is usually the only one they worry about so Minota was off. Red card. A few mins before half-time.

Immediately we saw more involvement from Alyssa Whinham making use of the increased space, while Colombia made an instant substitution taking off an attacking player for a defender as they moved to a 4-4-1 low block. Colombia only needed a draw to advance, remember. Gemma Lewis responded at half-time by throwing on Mona Walker for Jana Niedermayr in a straight swap presumably to have another ball-player out there. Walker’s long ball ability (combined with Taylor’s long ball ability) giving them a better chance of stretching the field with space on offer.

There was some promising stuff there but also Colombia’s counter attack ensured they were just as dangerous as ever despite being a woman short. Maybe even more dangerous as they streamlined their attack into the exactly what was working best. Walker picked up a yellow ten mins after coming on for a professional foul to break up a counter. She wasn’t the only one panicking in those situations. And on 62’ Colombia scored the goal that seemingly clinched it. The brilliant Linda Caciedo again. Running at Walker who was wary of her yellow card and then McMeeken was uncharacteristically slow to get back allowing Caciedo to turn the corner and score.

Hang about. Because Charlotte Lancaster replaced Milly Clegg in that familiar change and about five minutes later scored an absolute blinder to equalise. Lancaster’s initial corner kick had been cleared away but her second attempt looped and dropped and went in perfectly off the underside of the bar. It appeared to be an overhit cross at first but the more you watch it the more it looks deliberate. The little flick of the heel as she strikes it, seeking that dip. The fact that the only players in the vicinity were offside anyway. She called corner pocket on that one, don’t doubt it. Not a million miles away from the goal she scored against Australia earlier in the year that also chipped a keeper from outside the area. She once did this in a National League game too.

Could the Junior Ferns score twice more in the last twenty minutes? To quote Jordan Peele: Nope. Still, they gave it a good crack. Particularly in the last ten after Colombia inexplicably replaced both Robledo and Caciedo – granted they were probably both pretty sore given that the only answer the NZers had for them was to foul them. Collins and Lancaster also picking up yellows to all to the tally.

Charlotte Wilford-Carroll and Ruby Nathan (the second youngest player in the squad) got late cameos. There were a few long range efforts. Kate Taylor got clattered by the keeper but was offside anyway. It finished 2-2. The Junior Ferns bowed out with two draws and a defeat from their three games, to go with a few banger goals and ten combined yellow cards. By the way, Germany lost to Mexico in the other game so they bowed out with us. Decent company.

Alyssa Whinham was at her most involved here, constantly beating players and finding space. Not too many clear chances created from all that mahi but she was always a threat. Aniela Jensen stood out again. Her set piece delivery is great and her passing ability stood out in all three games. Jensen was a large reason why the Ferns had 60% of possession in this match - the red card helped too but note that they were ahead in that stat even before the red. And gotta shout out Charlotte Lancaster for coming on off the bench and having a major impact. Another one with a great set piece delivery... and she could blast a ball to the moon with that left foot if she tried.

NZ U20s vs Colombia: Murphy Sheaff | Tupelo Dugan, Jana Niedermayr (Te Reremoana Walker 45’), Kate Taylor, Marisa Van Der Meer (Zoe McMeeken 28’) | Grace Wisnewski, Aniela Jensen | Alyssa Whinham (Charlotte Wilford-Carroll 87’) | Ava Pritchard (Ruby Nathan 87’), Milly Clegg (Charlotte Lancaster 64’), Ava Collins

CONCLUSIONS

So where do we go from here? Well, a lot of these players should ease on into A-League seasons when that one kicks off in three months. Only Kate Taylor, Alyssa Whinham, and Brianna Edwards are signed as it stands but Walker, McMeeken, Pritchard, Van der Meer, Lancaster, and Wisnewski were all on the books of clubs last time around (all at the Phoenix except for MVDM). Gotta think a couple others are a decent shout too, especially with that rule about the Aussie clubs each being able to sign one subsidised New Zealander.

Four others (Jensen, Dugan, Sheaff & Collins) are registered at USA universities so that’s them sorted for the next wee while. And anyone left out is probably gonna pop up in the National League in October. Northern Rovers, Eastern Suburbs, Auckland United, and Western Springs are the four Northern teams to qualify alongside the federation teams of Central, Capital, Canterbury, and Southern.

And of course, you know, there’s always the possibility of a sneaky overseas transfer on the back of the U20 exploits. It’s happened many times before. Scouts are certainly watching – even if those things don’t always happen immediately.

It’s a shame things went the way they did because this squad had the potential to do some genuine damage. No team that they faced got away lightly. Even Germany, with their 3-0 win, had plenty of frustrations along the course. The Ferns just weren’t quite sharp enough to capitalist... but a lot of those dramas (lack of passing accuracy, some decision making, a bit of impatience) are the kind of things that naturally get figured out with more experience. Developmental speed-bumps, nothing more.

And anyway, tournament runs are always the aim but the true measure of these youth squads is when you look back at the team list 5-10 years down the line with the knowledge of what players have gone on to achieve. International caps. Professional careers. Tournaments and trophies. Any U20 World Cup showcases players in the early years of their footballing careers staring down the line at boundless potential. The best is always yet to come.

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