NZ Football

The win means New Zealand have confirmed their place at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup to be held in the Dominican Republic.

With only seconds remaining, Katie Pugh sealed the title for the Kiwis to break Fijian hearts, who had put in a herculean effort.

As expected, New Zealand started the brighter and dominated possession in the opening stages. To their credit, Fiji were resolute and well-drilled and it was notable that the Kiwis were struggling to string passes together in the manner seen earlier in the tournament.

The new windfall is the result of a budgeted record revenue $17 billion FIFA is expecting to generate over the 2023-26 cycle.

The $13m each of the 211 member associations will receive is a 30 percent increase from the previous 2019-2022 cycle and a sevenfold increase of the amount distributed prior to 2016.

"For larger member associations, the FIFA Forward Development contributions may be a nice addition, but for member associations in Oceania, these contributions can be a game-changer," FIFA Development Manager for Oceania David Firisua said.

Both Australia's goals came in the first half, with New Zealand scoring in injury time at the end of the second half through debutant Gabi Rennie, who headed the ball into the net just minutes after coming on as a replacement.

The Football Ferns were one of four teams, including the US, Sweden and Great Britain, that took a knee before their game as a part of the global call for greater racial equality.

New Zealand also have the world champion United States and Sweden in their group, with the World No.5 Swedes stunning the the US 3-0 in their match last night.