

NZ makes major strides at World University Games
2005, September
By Kent Gray - New Zealand Herald | September 2005
HEAD coach Macky Singh has hailed his "courageous" side after New Zealand finished a creditable ninth at the World University Games in Turkey on Saturday (NZT). New Zealand finished its campaign with a nail biting 4-3 win over theCzech Republic on penalties after Rebecca Tegg's hat-trick helped the Kiwis come from behind twice to earn a 3-3 draw in normal time. Singh's side, unlucky not to reach the quarterfinals after a last gasp loss to Turkey in pool play, went on to beat Chinese Taipei (2-0) and South Africa (4-1) before gaining sweet revenge over the Turks (1-0).
New Zealand overcame a host of injuries and temperatures nudging 40 degrees most days to finish three places higher than their wooden spoon finish at their Summer Universiade debut in Korea in 2003. Singh was thrilled with his side's never-say-die attitude, especially after they had narrowly missed the quarterfinals. "I've never coached a team that have battled like these girls have,"
Singh said. "They were totally professional and never gave up despite the heat and some top quality opposition. They deserve a lot of credit back home for what they've done." Tegg was one of the finds of the tournament, finishing New Zealand's top scorer with six goals after forcing her way into the starting lineup for the second game against Chinese Taipei where she scored both goals.
Fellow striker Emma Humphries finished with two goals and was a workhorse up front while captain Rebecca O'Neill was the standout in midfield. Centrebacks Tess Murphy and Brooke Rangi were solid in defence while makeshift goalkeeper Chelsea Aim, normally a fullback, proved a revelation between the posts.
Rebecca Tegg's six goals finished top scorer at the Games hence was awarded the Golden Boot and the NZ Universities icked up the Fairplay Trophy for only receiving one caution in the entire tournament.
Bangkok will host the 24th Summer Universiade in 2007