18 Jul 2012

Ferns beat Colombia

6:27 am on 18 July 2012

The New Zealand women's football team has wrapped up their Olympic preparations with a 2-1 win over Colombia in Switzerland.

New Zealand dominated the South Americans from start to finish but didn't make the breakthrough until injury time in the first half when Amber Hearn and Rebecca Smith both netted.

New Zealand missed a host of chances to kill the game in the second half with a pair of Hearn headers missing the target and close range shots from Hannah Wilkinson and Ria Percival both saved by the 'keeper.

Colombia took advantage of a flat five minute spell from the Ferns late in the match to pull a goal back through, but it was a rare foray into New Zealand's penalty area and the kiwis quickly regained control to see off the fellow Olympic competitors.

The Football Ferns were without Ali Riley who picked up an ankle injury in the weekend's loss to Canada.

The fullback didn't suit up against Colombia but is expected to be fit to face Great Britain in their Olympic opener.

The Football Ferns head to London tomorrow for two days in the Olympic Village before resuming training in Cardiff on July 20th ahead of their July 25 match against Great Britain - the opening act of the entire Olympic Games. They also face Brazil and Cameroon in pool play.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand men's team depart the Olympic Village tonight for Austria where they meet UAE on Friday morning New Zealand time to finalise their own Olympic preparations.