The New Zealand womens soccer team scored a convincing 3-1 win over Cameroon at Coventry this evening to earn themselves a spot in the Olympic quarter-finals.
The Football Ferns took the field after hearing that the United States had beaten North Korea, and therefore knew a victory over Cameroon would be enough to get them through as third place-getters in their pool.
The New Zealanders made most of the play against their feisty and rugged opponents.
After Amber Hearn and Katie Hoyle missed with early shots, the New Zealanders took the lead in the 43rd minute when their captain, Rebecca Smith, scored.
Just after the interval good pressure by Rosie White resulted in an own goal by Cameroons Ysis Sonkeng, and the quarter-final spot looked much closer.
The lead was stretched to 3-0 when Sarah Gregorius headed home after a good cross by Rosie White.
Cameroon pulled one goal back in the 75th minute when Gabrielle Onguene scored with a close-range header.
But the New Zealanders remained composed and eased to victory.
The Football Ferns now meet the United States in the quarter-finals, with the winner probably to play Great Britain.
