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Football Ferns lose to Great Britain at Olympics - Source: Photosport -
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Coach Tony Readings says the Football Ferns feel they have a point to prove against Cameroon at the Olympic Games tomorrow, regardless of whether they have a chance of qualifying for the quarterfinals.
The New Zealand women's soccer team has no points to show for two solid showings against powerhouses Great Britain and Brazil, losing both games 1-0 to goals from set pieces.
They'll need to beat Cameroon to have any chance of making the quarterfinals as one of the two best third-placed teams, but it depends on results in the other groups.
They'll know whether they can qualify by the time they take the field against Cameroon in Coventry, as the other contenders - most likely Canada, France and North Korea - will have finished their games.
"We feel a bit robbed by both results, if we're honest, and that's really fired up the players," Readings said. "If we get the opportunity, you'll be able to see quite evidently how much it means to these players to get through to the quarterfinals."
Captain Rebecca Smith says the team is feeling positive after their first two matches and hopes they get the chance to progress.
"We know that the African teams are always strong, physical and fast. But we think we'll be able to exploit their weaknesses and their lack of experience in these big tournaments.
"We'll be fired up, and will try and find the back of the net."