The Junior Football Ferns have been swamped by Japan 7-0 in their opening match at the FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup in Colombia.
The 2018 winners and 2022 runners-up were far too strong for the New Zealand side, outclassing the Kiwis in all areas of the field on Monday (Tuesday NZ Time).
LATEST HEADLINES:
Japan put up a total of 30 shots on goal compared to New Zealand's two and completed 552 passes while the Ferns had 189 and looked stunned when put under pressure or even with the ball at their feet.
The Japanese side scored first after 16 minutes through Maya Hijikata who finished with two goals eventually. The score at halftime was 4-0 and should have been in double figures if some of the shooting was a bit more accurate.
Head coach Leon Birnie will have to come up with something magical for New Zealand to turn around their results as they face Austria on Friday.