New Zealand are determined to make history in the football Women's world Cup. Both Japan and New Zealand rely heavily on players from their respective local leagues, with only four on either side plying their trade abroad. While this contributes to a more cohesive unit, it means the two sides sometimes lack the experience and competitive edge that can be gained from exposure to European or US league football.

New Zealand Football has replaced banned Reynald Temarii with two senior board members. The congress in Pago Pago, American Samoa, will elect a replacement for Temarii as president of the OFC, who is also the area's representative on the elite Fifa executive committee.

It was expected acting president, David Chung, of Papua New Guinea, would be a certainty for the job after taking over from Tahiti-based Temarii, who was caught in a British newspaper World Cup vote-selling sting and suspended for a year by Fifa.

Ricki Herbert will continue on as New Zealand coach after being offered a new contract following the impressive showing in the World Cup. Herbert guided the All Whites to being the only unbeaten team at the World Cup in South Africa, and the Phoenix to the first finals appearance in their history last season.

The 49-year-old is also expected to remain as national coach, but said negotiations with Football New Zealand were continuing.