All Whites, Football Ferns Photo: PHOTOSPORT
While it may not have the profile of the FIFA World Cup or the recently concluded men's European Championships, Olympic football certainly has its place - especially for smaller nations.
For New Zealand, it is a rare chance for the Football Ferns and the OlyWhites to gauge where they are in comparison to the rest of the world.
So, what can we expect from both the women's and men's Olympic football teams?
Michael Mayne addresses the Football Ferns at halftime in their international friendly against Japan. Photo: photosport
Football Ferns
Traditionally, Olympic football has been the pinnacle of the women's game. However, the recent growth of FIFA's tentacles into women's football has seen that dynamic shift.
Nonetheless, New Zealand will be hoping to cause an upset and build on their positive World Cup performances from 2023.
Current form
6 April 2024 - 4-0 win v Thailand
9 April 2024 - 0-0 draw v Thailand
1 June 2024 - 2-0 loss v Japan
4 June 2024 - 4-1 loss v Japan
14 July 2024 - 1-1 draw v Zambia
Squad
Anna Leat, Victoria Esson. Mackenzie Barry, CJ Bott, Katie Bowen, Meikayla Moore, Gabi Rennie, Rebekah Stott, Kate Taylor, Ali Riley, Macey Fraser, Ally Green, Katie Kitching, Malia Steinmetz, Jacqui Hand, Grace Jale, Indiah-Paige Riley, Milly Clegg: Alternate Players: Claudia Bunge, Michaela Foster, Annalie Longo, Murphy Sheaff.
What are their chances?
Honestly, slim to none. An already difficult task has only got tougher amid controversy and mystery regarding head coach Jitka Klimkova - who has stepped aside from duties following a recent employment-related investigation. However, Canada seems to think they are going to be a threat as they were caught this morning sending a drone over Ferns training to spy on them.
Star striker Hannah Wilkinson is also absent while the Ferns have an incredibly tough first-round draw, facing host nation France, reigning champions Canada and World Cup surprise package, Colombia in the group phase.
If they can advance from pool play it would be a major feat.
Fixtures
Football Ferns v Canada - 26 July 3am NZT
Football Ferns v Colombia - 29 July 3am NZT
Football Ferns v France - 1 August 7am NZT
Katie Kitching of New Zealand scores a penalty goal during their international friendly win over Thailand. Photo: photosport
One to watch - Katie Kitching
The Sunderland midfielder has been a breath of fresh air since joining the Ferns fold at the back end of last year.
Any success will largely depend on her ability to influence games in the middle of the park.
New Zealand All Whites coach Darren Bazeley and assistant Simon Elliott. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
OlyWhites
Unlike the women's competition, the men's is an under-23 event. While this undoubtedly removes some of the prestige from the tournament, it does mean smaller nations like New Zealand have a better chance of doing well.
Current form
27 August 2023 - 3-0 win v Papua New Guinea
30 August 2023 - 3-1 win v Fiji
6 September 2023 - 8-0 win v Vanuatu
9 September 2023 - 9-0 win v Fiji
19 July 2024 - 3-1 loss v Uzbekistan
Squad
Alex Paulsen, Kees Sims, Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, Lukas Kelly-Heald, Matthew Sheridan, Finn Surman, Sam Sutton, Joe Bell, Fin Conchie, Matt Garbett, Ben Old, Sarpreet Singh, Jay Herdman, Jesse Randall, Oskar van Hattum, Ben Waine, Lachlan Bayliss. Alternate Players: Liam Gillion, Henry Gray, Isaac Hughes.
What are their chances?
New Zealand were unfortunate to lose to host nation Japan on penalties at the truncated 2020 event and many of the same players will be returning in Paris - intent on going one further and getting a shot at a medal.
Their group draw could have been worse. While host nation France, coached by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, will be a difficult task Darren Bazeley's side will be hoping they can cause an upset v the United States or Guinea to potentially advance.
A medal seems unlikely, but a repeat of three years ago would be considered a success.
Fixtures
OlyWhites v Guinea - 25 July 3am NZT
OlyWhites v USA - 28 July 5am NZT
OlyWhites v France - 31 July 5am NZT
Alex Paulsen of Wellington Phoenix Photo: PHOTOSPORT
One to watch - Alex Paulsen
If New Zealand are to escape the group stage, their goalkeeper is going to need to be in fine form.
Luckily, they have an immensely talented stopper at their disposal in the form of Premier League-bound Paulsen.
The A-League's best goalkeeper at the Wellington Phoenix last term, the 22-year-old has joined AFC Bournemouth in the off-season and will be looking to show his prowess across the channel from his new home.
