Soccer-New Zealand could be on verge of unexpected - a berth in Women's World Cup knockout round

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Group A - New Zealand Training - Newtown Park, Wellington, New Zealand - July 24, 2023 New Zealand players during training REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli/File Photo

(Reuters) - New Zealand's Football Ferns are on the cusp of accomplishing a feat few could have predicted days ago - advancing to the knockout stage of the Women's World Cup.

New Zealand face the Philippines at Wellington Regional Stadium on Tuesday and a victory would all but guarantee their advancement.