‘The gap is closing’: New Zealand coach encouraged with Pacific talent

Despite a dominant win over the Solomon Islands in the Olympic qualifying match, Football Ferns assistant coach Michael Mayne says FIFA's investment in the Pacific is starting to bear fruit.

Mayne says the emerging talent was obvious from his observation of the OFC Olympic Qualifiers in Samoa last week.

"You can see the gap closing and you can see some of the resources going into OFC nation, and the women’s game.

“It’s one of my biggest reflections, I’ve been lucky enough to come to these tournaments for the past nine years."

His comments come after the Football Ferns booked their tickets to the Paris Olympics after beating the Solomon Islands women’s side 11-1 in Apia.

The Ferns went unbeaten throughout the tournament, only conceding three goals across their seven games.

Football Ferns assistant coach Michael Mayne says he's glad his side weren't complacent over the tournament.

“It was great, score aside, I think credit to the Solomon Islands, we knew their big goal was to make it to the final so it was great to face them.

“We don’t take qualifying for granted, we have on eye on Paris at the moment. The girls were in a good space last night.”

Mayne says on top of celebrating their win, their captain Rebekah Scott was also celebrated her 100th test as captain.

“We came back and we enjoyed sharing with her, a few players doing fun things and skits for her to sum up her career.

“There wasn’t a single game we didn’t approach like we did in the World Cup. There was massive respect for what these teams could bring.

“I think in another four years the gap will close again, there’s some really technically athletic players coming through.”