FIFA Women’s World Cup: Unlucky Jacqui Hand Football Ferns’ best in frustrating setback

ANALYSIS: Jacqui Hand had a goal disallowed by the merest of margins, hit the post with a shot and did everything but score as the pick of the flummoxed Football Ferns in their costly FIFA Women’s World Cup loss to the Philippines.

The 24-year-old forward, who plays club football in Finland, outshone her more experienced teammates in a 1-0 reverse on Tuesday which has blown Group A wide open and may imperil the Ferns’ dream of qualifying for the World Cup playoffs for the first time.

Of the other Ferns starters, only C J Bott matched the the high standards achieved in the historic 1-0 win over Norway in Auckland last Thursday.

The Ferns were too sloppy in possesion at crucial times, created enough chances but weren’t clinical enough , though they looked more lively after second half substitutes Olivia Chance and Annalie Longo were inserted at the interval.

Here are Stuff’s Football Ferns player ratings from their Filipinas’ fright night at Wellington Regional Stadium.

21: Vic Esson. Confident off her line and decisive at the punch, but will rue her inability to keep Sarina Bolden’s header out of the net for the Philippines’ goal after getting her hand to it. Not tested in the second half. 6.

4: C J Bott. The Leicester City star sets high standards and will be disappointed not to get closer to Bolden for the Philippines’ winning goal, but she was otherwise impressive. Freed from defensive duties as the Filipinas sat back in two blocks of four, Bott was able to get forward frequently and deliver positive passes. Almost set up a headed goal for Hannah Wilkinson and had a lash with a late shot, which bounced just in front of the keeper. 7.5.

13: Rebekah Stott. The Brighton stopper’s game-turning block was a turning point in the win over Norway, but she won’t watch to watch the highlights re-run of Bolden’s goal after being beaten in the air by the Philippines’ front runner. 6.

14: Katie Bowen. Didn’t do a lot wrong, but missed a good first half chance when her shot on the turn whistled wide. 6.5.

7: Ali Riley (c) Got forward at times in both halves, and played a fine through ball which led to Hannah Wilkinson being marginally offside. 6.5.

20: Indiah-Paige Riley. The youngster again showed some nice touches. Had a half-chance early on with her back to goal, but couldn’t divert it. Her pace allowed her to make some timely interceptions, but she was surprisingly sacrificed at halftime. 7.

2: Ria Percival. Not the most-capped Ferns’ most memorable appearance. Unable to exert the control she had against the Norwegians. Had a chance to score late in the first spell but get enough power behind her half-volley. Subbed off near the end. 5.5.

6: Malia Steinmetz. Like her central midfield partner Percival, she couldn’t stamp her mark and was probably lucky not to be replaced at the break instead of Indiah-Paige Riley. Had her pocket picked in a rare foray by the Philippines. 5.5.

12: Betsy Hassett. Won her 147th cap to go third on the all-time appearances chart – but otherwise not a night to remember for the Wellington Phoenix midfielder at her club’s home base. Off-beam at times with her final delivery and couldn’t get into the game before being substituted at halftime. 5.

16: Jacqui Hand. Had a headed goal disallowed for an offside call on Hannah Wilkinson and crashed another shot off the inside post. Her pace proved a problem for the Filipinas’ defence, but couldn’t get the goal her efforts deserved. Has cemented her place as a starter. 8.

17: Hannah Wilkinson. A frustrating first half, including lashing a shot over the bar from a Bott ball and the Ferns’ first yellow card for a high foot challenge. Headed a Bott cross onto the roof of the net. Never gave up and it looked like she’d created a goal for Hand after chasing the ball to the bye-line, but a video replay ruled she had been marginally offside earlier. 6.5

Substitutes

Annalie Longo (45min) The veteran midfielder at her fifth World Cup was a welcome introduction for the second half with her class and composure soon evident. One of the few Ferns comfortable playing other than the way she faces. They look better with her on the ball as the creative midfield fulcrum. Fitness allowing, she must start against Switzerland. 7.

Olivia Chance (45min). Another second half substitute who sparked the Ferns’ attack on the left flank after replacing Hassett. Able to skin her right back rival a couple of times and played an inch-perfect ball for Hand to crash against the base of the post. Wasn’t always clinical, but coach Jitka Klimková must seriously consider starting the Celtic winger against the Swiss. 7.

Grace Jale (83min). A late substitute for Percival as Klimková tried to bolster her attack.Had a great chance to equalise, but her first-time shot was brilliantly saved by Philippines keeper Olivia McDaniel. 6.