The Ferns are in Group B with England.

So emphatic were the scorelines racked up by New Zealand in qualifying, you would have been forgiven for thinking that John Herdman's side were actually playing the nation's No.1 sport - rugby union.

The 'Football Ferns' surged to victory in the Oceania Women's Nation Cup, the region's World Cup qualifying event, with a staggering final record of played five, won five, scored 50, conceded none. In fact, they even put 11 past Papua New Guinea in the Final, their third double-figure haul of the tournament.

All this clearly underlines New Zealand women's dominance in Oceania, but does little more than hint at their potential on the world stage.

So can they transfer that stunning form from a ten-day tournament in Auckland to the biggest competition in the world of women's football?
 
New Zealand are yet to collect a point in their two previous showings on the world stage in 1991 and 2007, but recent performances at youth level are reason for encouragement, as is their ever increasing competitiveness against the world elite.
 
In 2007, New Zealand made their first World Cup appearance for 16 years. By qualifying this time, the Football Ferns will compete in two successive Women's World Cups for the first time in their history. 
 
That feat has accelerated a real feeling of collective progression within the squad after coach John Herdman and his U20 stars, from China 2007, graduated to the senior side.

So their progression has been collective - maybe now it's time for them to achieve together.