New Zealand's Junior Ferns came from behind to record a 1-1 draw with Canada in their second match at the Estadio Roberto Bravo Santibanez on September 19, as the Four Nations U-20 Women's Tournament continued in Melipilla, Chile. It's a highly creditable result for John Herdman's charges as their preparations for the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Finals in Chile continue. To secure a draw against a team which had a record of seven wins and a draw from their eight games this year going into this clash is not to be sniffed at, particularly as one of those victories was a 1-0 triumph over the USA to win the CONCACAF U-20 Women's Championship. “It's a very good result indeed”, confirms the Junior Ferns' coach. “But even more pleasing was the performance - it was really good to watch, and probably the most enjoyable display I've watched in all my time coaching New Zealand teams. “The switching of play, counter-attacking down left and right flanks … really positive. We dominated the entire second half, during which Canada had just three chances, with their goal coming from a set-play”. That 71st minute effort broke the deadlock in a closely contested encounter between two evenly matched teams. Junior Ferns goalkeeper Victoria Esson was unable to hang onto a cross, which allowed Miryam Bouchard to fire the Canadians in front. Eight minutes later, however, the Junior Ferns levelled matters, Rosie White's unerring finish, after deceiving defenders with a deft turn, crowned a sweeping right flank raid and brought about deserved parity for the New Zealanders, although it's a game which, in Herdman's eyes, was winnable. “The key lesson to learn from this result is our need to  be more ruthless, and take the opportunities which

Rosie White - unerring finish Victoria Esson - handling error

present themselves when we get into key areas of the opposition's half. Because for all the possession we've had, we still haven't got three points to show for it”. New Zealand go into their final match of the tournament looking to win, and build on their goal difference at the same time. They are approaching the tournament as if it were a qualifying group in a finals, and as things stand, they are a mathematical chance for a place in the next round. It's a chance Herdman hopes his young charges will take. “Mexico, who led Chile for much of the game before going down 2-1 today, are a dangerous team, boasting individuals with great technical ability. “We've got to nullify those threats, after which we should be strong enough to take three points. Then we're hoping Chile beat Canada to win the tournament, and give us a shot at finishing second on goal difference”. The kick-off time for the Junior Ferns' clash with Mexico has been brought forward to 4.15am Sunday, NZ time - lunch-time Saturday in Chile, to accommodate live TV coverage. Canada:     Erin McNulty; Rachel Goulding (Amanda Robinson, 46), Miryam Bouchard (booked, 90), Shannon Woeller, Allysha Chapman; Chelsea Stewart, Kaylyn Kyle, Jonelle Filigno, Alyssa Lagonia (Mallory Outerbridge, 46) (Karla Schacher, 86); Julie Armstrong, Monica Lam-Feist (Paige Adams, 59) Junior Ferns:     Victoria Esson; Caitlin Campbell, Abby Erceg, Liz Milne, Ria Percival (Annalie Longo, 86); Merissa Smith (Betsy Hassett, 46), Katie Hoyle, Anna Green (Bridgette Armstrong, 46), Hannah Wall; Renee Leota (Sarah McLaughlin, 59), Rosie White Unused substitutes:     Briony Fisher, Grace Vincent, Charlotte Wood Referee:     Barbra Bastias