New Zealand's Young Ferns continued their preparations for the forthcoming inaugural FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Finals on home turf in October and November by making a bit of NZ footballing history in Paraguay on July 12. In defeating Paraguayan Premier Women's League team Cerro Porteno 2-1 at the Rakiura Resort in Asuncion, they became the first national team to defeat opposition from that country. Repeating the dose against their Paraguayan U-17 counterparts on Monday morning is the next challenge facing Paul Temple's charges, but the way this team is shaping, they're going to surprise many of their countrymen come Finals time with their capabilities. A classic example is the Young Ferns' opening goal of the tour, an absolute howitzer of a strike from Hannah Wall. The striker still had plenty to do after captain Briony Fisher had powered up-field on a surging run, but one twenty yard volley later, job done! Cerro Porteno, who boast a number of senior Paraguayan internationals in their ranks, drew level five minutes before half-time when a defensive lapse was punished in clinical fashion from the edge of the penalty area. Faced with a language barrier, challenging underfoot conditions, the standard South American physicality and the heat - the team trained in 33C conditions twenty-four hours prior, the Young Ferns could easily have wilted in the circumstances. Do not underestimate this team, however, as the belief which binds them ultimately proved too much for Cerro Porteno to handle. Seventeen minutes from time, the Young Ferns gained their due reward when Annalie Longo struck what proved to be the winner. “The players faced the most pressure they've ever been under today, but I'm really proud of the way they came through it, and happy to get a win we thoroughly deserved”, said a delighted Temple afterwards. The Young Ferns are taking part in a four-team tournament while in Paraguay, which also involves Universidad Autonoma Asuncion and the host nation's U-17 squad, who, like New Zealand, will be taking part in the inaugural Finals. The Paraguayans downed the Premier League team 5-3 in the day's other game, which allowed Temple to size up the Young Ferns' other opponents ahead of clashes on Thursday (UAA) and Saturday (Paraguay). “We know what to expect now from the opposition, the referees and the pitches and we're looking forward to it”, he said afterwards. “Paraguay are a very decent side and they've shown they can score goals. They look vulnerable at the back however, and we'll certainly be out to attack them - it could be a very open encounter”. Monday's match against Paraguay's U-17s is being played outside the confines of the quadrangular tournament, at the Club 12 Octubre in Itaugua. Kick-off is at 7am, NZ time. Young Ferns line-up: Charlotte Wood; Caitlin Campbell, Briony Fisher, Bridgette Armstrong, Rebecca Brown; Hannah Wall, Nadia Pearl, Katie Bowen (Leah Gallie 85), Jessica Rollings (Claudia Crasborn 62); Annalie Longo, Sarah McLaughlin (Lauren Murray 62)

The squad has been in Paraguay for a week now, and have enjoyed a few excursions and treats away from the training ground. Paul Temple is our tour guide … “On Wednesday, we were treated like royalty, as we have been all tour, to be honest. The people are so friendly and have looked after us no end. Nothing is too much trouble and so far the only thing we haven't got within minutes is the tomato ketchup at dinner! “We were shown around the CONMEBOL headquarters, complete with memorabilia aplenty from such South American legends as Pele, Mario Kempes and Diego Maradona. “We also met the Confederation's President, Dr Nicolas Leoz, a very busy and powerful man in world football yet so friendly. We had photos taken with the Copa America and the Copa Libertadores trophies … the whole place is so inspiring. “Rakiura, where we played on Saturday, is an amazing resort which is a five minute drive yet a world away from third-world Paraguay. It is a green lush spa retreat with three swimming pools, gym, eleven tennis courts, a water park, archery, rugby, football and volleyball facilities, and even a nine-hole golf course which is completely floodlit. “The girls love it and as well as training there last Wednesday, we have taken them there every day to grab a small slice of luxury in an otherwise sparse outlook on life here in Paraguay. The surroundings are very unfamiliar. “Where we are staying is literally off the beaten track in the middle of nowhere. National police with guns act as the army and walk around to protect us, but you get the feeling we are quite safe as I don't think anyone could be bothered to subject themselves to the ten-minute journey down the bumpiest dirt track I've ever seen! “The trainings fields here are amazingly bad. Ant nests, cow pats, long grass, potholes are but some of the hazards, but I'm impressed with the way the team have dealt with it. “The team and staff have agreed that we will treat this tournament like a World Cup, so with the odd exception, we'll be starting our best team in each match. This allows me to assess options in certain positions, while allowing us to concentrate on us and not worry too much about the opposition”.      Annalie Longo and Hannah Wall - goalscorers Paraguay tour