New Zealand on verge of exit at U17 women's World Cup

New Zealand's hopes of reaching the second round of the under-17 women's football World Cup are hanging by a thread after a 1-3 loss to European champions Spain in Couva, Trinidad, today.

New Zealand were rocked by a fourth minute goal to Gema Gili but drew level in the 15th minute through midfielder Kate Loye, who was on hand to score her second goal in as many games after Liv Chance and Stephanie Skilton combined to tee up a shot from Holly Patterson.

Spanish playmaker Sara Merida clipped free kick over the defensive wall into the second spell to re-establish Spain's advantage as a combination of heat, humidity and Spain's possession game suffocated New Zealand.

Substitute Paloma Lazaro killed off New Zealand's chances of snatching a result, and confirmed Spain's place in the knockout stages, when she headed in a third goal with four minutes remaining.

New Zealand's faint hopes of making the second round now rest on beating Japan in their final group match in Scarbrough on Tuesday and Venezuela losing to both Japan later today and Spain on Tuesday.

Even then the three way tie for second place would be broken by goal difference.

New Zealand 1 (Kate Loye) Spain 3 (Gema Gili, Sara Merida, Paloma Lazaro). Halftime: 1-1.

- NZPA