FIFA Women's World Cup co-host New Zealand finally wins in timely boost

WELLINGTON – New Zealand broke its 10-game winless run on Monday with a confidence-boosting 2-0 friendly victory over Vietnam on the eve of co-hosting the FIFA Women's World Cup. 

The Football Ferns shrugged off a miserable sequence of eight defeats and two draws dating back to September by dominating the Vietnamese in Napier.

"We all stepped up and I'm proud of the girls. To get a clean sheet and a win was good," said New Zealand captain and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Ria Percival.

New Zealand, which will host the World Cup with Australia, kicks off the tournament against Norway in Auckland on July 20.

Vietnam faces reigning champion the United States in the same city two days later.

New Zealand created a string of chances before a long-range shot by Leicester City defender CJ Bott took a slight deflection off a Vietnamese defender.

New Zealand doubled its lead after forward Jacqui Hand was served up a simple tap-in at the back post just before half-time.

Vietnam's defense improved in the second half but New Zealand deserved the win.

The Kiwis also face the Philippines and Switzerland in World Cup group A.

Along with the Americans, Vietnam also plays 2019 finalist the Netherlands and Portugal in Group E.

The Vietnamese have a final warm-up game against Spain in New Zealand on Sunday.