MONTEVIDEO, December 2, 2018 – Two-goal Grace Wisnewski surprised herself with the match-winning performance which brought New Zealand a 2-1 win over Canada and a third place finish in the U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Remarkably, player of the match Wisnewski had asked her parents not to bother travelling to Uruguay because she did not expect much game time.

Her first goal, in 15 seconds, was the fastest in the history of the tournament.

She said: “I just can’t believe it [that I scored two goals]. It is amazing that we could made a history for our country. I didn’t know it was the fastest goal in tournament history until we heard it in the changing room.”

New Zealand had never even reached the knockout stage before and Wisnewski added: ”This is incredible. This has definitely been an experience of a lifetime. I would not change it for anything else.”

Coach Leon Birnie aid: “I feel so lucky to be out there to be in this position for a start, something I have always dreamed of doing. To get a bronze medal is something so special it is such a humbling moment and the tournament couldn’t have come any better for us”

Canada coach Rhian Wilkinson acknowledged that a poor start was a significant factor in the same outcome as the teams’ friendly ahead of the tournament.

She said: “We didn’t start very well. They scored in the first minute in the exhibition game before this tournament and it did again. My team are learning and growing and will be better for the lessons they learned in this tournament. I cannot but be proud of my team.

“Yes, we wished to win the medal but my players discovered something about themselves in this tournament that I think will stay with them for the rest of their careers.”