New Zealand will head into their final Under 20 women's World Cup group match against England in Chile on Thursday morning without star midfielder Ria Percival, after FIFA rejected an appeal over her suspension.
New Zealand management had tried to have the second of two yellow cards Percival received in the 4-3 win over hosts Chile over-turned because they said the Costa Rican referee had booked the wrong player for the second incident.
The 18-year-old's absence leaves head coach John Herdman with a big hole to fill as Percival scored twice in the 3-2 loss to Nigeria and set up Rosie White for what proved to be the winning goal against Chile.
The Young Ferns can make the quarter-finals if they beat England and a draw may be enough if Chile upset Nigeria.
