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.

Although they have never met at a FIFA Women's World Cup, Monday’s opponents have gone head to head on four occasions in the past, with Japan winning three international friendlies. The one competitive contest between the sides, at the 2008 Women's Olympic Football Tournament in Beijing, ended in a 2-2 draw, which remains the only point New Zealand have ever won in a FIFA competition.

A comparison of the sides' FIFA Women's World Cup records also gives the edge to Japan. The Asian outfit have reached the Round of 16 once, at the 1995 edition in Sweden when they also beat Brazil 2-1 in the group stage. New Zealand will be hoping it is a case of third time lucky, as they are yet to make it past the group stages in two previous attempts.