Crunch time for New Zealand in Kazan

PREVIEW: New Zealand (NZL) vs. Kazakhstan (KAZ) - Match Three

The New Zealand Women take on Kazakhstan in their biggest match yet of the 2015 FINA World Championships in Kazan, Russia.

New Zealand during a time-out against Spain on Tuesday (photo Waterpolo-World)

Kazakhstan placed 6th – one place above New Zealand – at the Intercontinental Tournament in Auckland, however never faced our Kiwi women during the six days of competition.

When the numbers are crunched, there’s not much separating these two nations.

Two months ago in Auckland, Kazakhstan and New Zealand produced astoundingly similar results. Against China, New Zealand lost by eight goals; Kazakhstan seven. And again against Canada, the Kiwis went down by eight, as did Kazakhstan.

Both teams went on to face Brazil, where each game was drawn at full time. In penalties, New Zealand lost against Brazil, but Kazakhstan came through with a win. Brazil later went on to qualify for the World League Super Final, proving just how close both our New Zealand Women and Kazakhstan were to qualifying.

Captain Jaz Myles in action against Spain

Now, in Kazan, Kazakhstan and New Zealand are both coming off two losses to try and claim third spot in Group A and make the top twelve. Earlier in the championships against Canada, New Zealand went down by nine goals, whilst Kazakhstan lost 17-4.

A win on Thursday (Friday morning 2:30am NZT) would see New Zealand face the second-placed team from Group B – either Trans-Tasman foes Australia or the Netherlands. A loss against Kazakhstan would mean that the New Zealanders head into the classification round for 13th-16th place.

If you're game, set your alarm for 2:30am tomorrow morning and follow @waterpolo_world on Twitter for updates throughout the match. Post your good luck messages to the New Zealand Women on Facebook! #GOKIWIS