A late goal by host side Norway cost the Football Ferns a well-merited international scalp in Stavanger yesterday.

The Football Ferns, taking on the world's ninth-ranked side, had the better of their opponents for much of the clash, despite their first experience playing indoors on artificial turf.

The New Zealand team showed improvement in retaining possession and creating chances, but a slip in concentration eight minutes from the finish thwarted what would have been a significant victory.

''We need to learn that when we are on top in these games, that we take our chances and get two or three goals up and we don't let the opposition back in the game,'' coach Tony Readings said after the 1-1 draw.

''We had the better in possession and territory. In the second half we became a little impatient and didn't keep our shape as well as we did in the first half.''

While Readings wanted more goals, equally he believed the team needed to learn that holding a lead late in the game would be vital if it wanted to progress to the knockout phase in the World Cup.

''Late in the game, when we are 1-0 up, then sometimes that will be enough. Just keep the ball and the opposition can't score and if you win 1-0 by doing that, then great. Leading 1-0 will be very important in group stages of the World Cup so that's another lesson for us to learn.''

Readings said his side adapted well to the indoor conditions on artificial turf, which complemented the Football Ferns' approach of possession play, with short, fast passing.

Christchurch midfielder Annalie Longo produced a telling cross, not cleared at the first attempt by the Norwegian defence, allowing striker Amber Hearn to volley home in the 34th minute.

It was the 44th goal in 90 internationals for the 29-year-old Aucklander, who plies her trade for USV Jena in the German Bundesliga.

The Ferns were unable to add to the tally despite the amount of possession.

Norway started the second half well, especially on the counter. The New Zealanders reasserted themselves but allowed the game to drift in the final 10 minutes, with an intended cross from the flanks by Norway ended up drifting into the net eight minutes from time.

The final match is at the same venue at 7am tomorrow (NZ time).