Malia Steinmetz of the Football Ferns after losing to the Philippines. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
With the Football Ferns exiting the FIFA Women's World Cup on Sunday, New Zealanders may be wondering who to back for the rest of the tournament.
On Tuesday, politicians were asked "why not Australia?".
The Matildas confirmed their spot in the tournament's knockout stages with a 4-0 win over Canada on Monday night.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins was asked whether New Zealanders could consider the tournament co-hosts their second team, following the Ferns' elimination.
"I'm very supportive of the Trans-Tasman relationship," he said.
Hipkins was challenged to say "go the Matildas".
He did, albeit hesitantly, and then wondered what Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese would think.
"I'm gonna get text messages from Albo about that, probably, right?".
When Albanese visited Wellington last week, he and Hipkins swapped football shirts with their names on the back.
But Hipkins said there was a long-standing Kiwi mantra of supporting 'anyone-but-Australia'.
"I'd support... I'd support... well, yeah, look. I don't know, there's something in it, isn't there, about Kiwis just backing an Australian team. But of course, we wish our Aussie mates the best."
He drew the line at supporting England, however.
"I wouldn't go that far," he said.
The Lionesses play their final group game on Tuesday night, against China.
Australia's Hayley Raso scores a goal during the FIFA Women's Football World Cup 2023 Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Minister of Sport Grant Robertson was also hesitant, albeit more diplomatic than Hipkins.
"It's been fantastic hosting the tournament with Australia. The Matildas are a competitive team and I think they will be there at the business end of the competition."
The government was looking at a way to celebrate the Ferns, but was unsure whether they would get a parade, given much of the squad is based overseas, he said.
National leader Christopher Luxon said his position was backing "anyone other than Australia".
ACT leader David Seymour said he would support "anyone playing Australia" but if he had to pick another team, he would go with Switzerland.
"I admired the way they played, even though I didn't like the result of that game," he said.
