Abby Erceg
One of the best defenders in the world, Abby Erceg started her World Cup run with New Zealand against the potent attack of the Netherlands. And even the best can only hold on for so long as the European champions found the net in stoppage time to give New Zealand a 1-0 defeat to start their 2019 journey.
Unfortunately for Erceg and company, they had perhaps an even better opponent in Canada waiting in the shadows. And with the high-flying Canadian attack headed by Christine Sinclair and Jessie Flemming hitting its stride, the New Zealand defense again relinquished two goals for another 2-0 defeat in Group E.
Erceg’s time in France would turn out to be short-lived as New Zealand were unable to make it out of the group after a last-second goal by Ajara Nchout gave Cameroon a 2-1 win, sending themselves to the round of 16 while Erceg and company depart France a little quicker than expected.