Football Ferns play Brazil in Taupo

6 June 2014

Taupo District will be treated to a spectacular display of football this month with the country's national women's team taking on Brazil at Owen Delany Park.

While the 2014 FIFA World Cup gets underway in Brazil, the women's team is visiting New Zealand for two matches in Taupo and Auckland. Taupo will host the second match on Thursday, June 19 with the Football Ferns taking on the world number six team. The Ferns are ranked 20th in the world.

Mayor David Trewavas said it was fantastic that another international sporting event had been secured by the Taupo District after the success of the women's hockey earlier this year.

"Having women's football of this calibre here just shows how high our district rates as an event host," he said. "We are a strong football location, as exemplified by us being the host of the McCartney Tournament every year, which is the largest football tournament in New Zealand.

"I am sure Taupo District residents will get in behind this event as they do all the other events we are fortunate to host.

The Football Ferns were narrowly defeated by world number three team Japan in Osaka in May, which Ferns coach Tony Readings said signals where the New Zealand side sit in the world pecking order. He said confirming Brazil for a home tour was a coup for the country.

It's exciting that we've been able to secure Brazil for this series and it shows how far we've come in the last few years that we're now able to attract the top teams in the world to visit New Zealand to play us, Readings said.

We don't often get to play at home and to be doing so against a nation such as Brazil - with all their football tradition and heritage - it's going to be a real treat for our fans.

The matches will be the first time the Football Ferns have played in New Zealand since June 2012. They have since played 27 games away from home.

The match will be held on Thursday, June 19 at 6.30pm at Owen Delany Park. Tickets will be available at the gate on the night and cost $10 for adults and $5 for children 16 and under.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718 027 484 2549

Taupō District Council

www.taupo.govt.nz