New Zealand's under 17 women's footballers' chances of reaching the second round at the FIFA World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago have slumped after a 2-1 loss to Venezuela in their first game.
Kate Loye scored after 10 minutes and the Young Football Ferns dominated possession but couldn't find a way past the South American side's goal-keeper.
Venezuela equalised after 24 minutes and got the winner against the run of play midway through the second spell.
New Zealand play Spain on Friday morning.
