The Football Ferns' hopes of glory at the Cyprus Cup have been stamped out after a 3-0 defeat to Austria.
Ali Riley. Photo: Photosport
New Zealand went into the clash at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia needing a win to keep their chances of lifting the trophy alive after Scotland scored twice in the last 10 minutes to steal a 3-2 victory in their opening game on Thursday.
Despite the loss to Austria, coach Tony Readings laid some important building blocks for the future with a pair of players making their international debuts and a new captain taking the armband.
Readings again went with a 3-4-3 formation but there was a significant change at the back as the hugely experienced Abby Erceg - who had announced her international retirement on the eve of the tournament - made way for Anna Green.
That meant the match was a special moment for Ali Riley, who lined up as the left wing-back with the captain's armband in the absence of the Erceg.
Goalkeeper Anna Leat made her debut in the 75th minute and was beaten just once.
The other debutant Martine Puketapu received a few minutes of action as a late replacement for Amber Hearn.
The Football Ferns will look to finish the group play on a high when they face Korea at 4.30am on Tuesday morning (NZT) before a play off against a yet to be confirmed opponent for their final placing.
The Cyprus Cup is a global invitational tournament for national teams in women's football. It has been held annually in Cyprus since 2008.
New Zealand have never won the tournament - their best result came in 2010 when they finished runners-up to Canada, losing 1-0 in the final.
