Football World Cup: NZ women hold no fears over pool opponents after draw

New Zealand's World Cup pool opponents hold no surprises for Football Ferns coach Jitka Klimkova, after the official draw in Auckland.

Ranked 22nd in the world, the tournament co-hosts will face former champions Norway (12th), Switzerland (21st) and Philippines (53rd) in their group next year, with Klimkova bullish over their chances of a first-ever World Cup win.

"That's the goal - and not just one game," she told Newshub. "We want to get out of the group and we will do everything to make it happen." 

The Oceania champions have had plenty of opportunities to progress on the game's biggest stage, but have repeatedly fallen short, so Klimkova's confidence seems based more on hope than assurance. 

But along with home advantage, her familiarity with their opponents holds the key to success this time round.

"The group is strong," said Klimkova. "Two European teams and I am European, so I am familiar with European style of play.

"I spent the whole summer - July this year - observing the Euros, which is helpful as well, so I know well Norway and Switzerland.

"We played a couple of months ago Philippines, so those teams are quite familiar. It will be competitive."

Two years ago, Norway needed a late goal to defeat New Zealand 2-1 at the Algarve Cup and prevailed just 1-0 at home in June.

Football Ferns celebrate a goal (later disallowed) against Norway
Football Ferns celebrate a goal (later disallowed) against Norway. Photo credit: Photosport

Last month, the Ferns trailled Philippines at halftime, before rallying for a 2-1 victory in California.

"We can use all the lessons learned from those games," said Klimkova. "I am very excited about Norway, because out performance against Norway was one of the best we've had after the Olympics.

"I am very excited about Philippines, because we found a way to win, even if our performance was not the best, but our mentality and desire to win was unbelievable."

Two-time defending champions United States will play all their group matches in New Zealand, facing Vietnam, Netherlands - whom they beat for the 2019 title - and a qualifier.