FIFA mocked as fans notice error in Women's World Cup mascot

FIFA has unveiled their mascot for the upcoming Women's World Cup to be hosted between Australia and New Zealand, and within hours fans had spotted a glaring problem.

'Tazuni', a football-mad penguin whose name was inspired by the Tasman Sea separating the two host nations, was announced as the official mascot for the tournament on Wednesday.

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In a statement announcing the new mascot, FIFA described Tazuni as being of the 'Eudyptula penguin species – or little penguin as they are affectionately known.

This species was chosen due to what the FIFA statement says was the fact it is 'endemic to the two countries coastlines to symbolise the unity between the co-hosts'.

Unfortunately, a quick fact-check from Australian Associated Press journalist Ben McKay quickly uncovered a major problem - the Eudyptula penguin does not habit any part of Australia.

“um … FIFA have chosen a NEW ZEALAND PENGUIN that is NOT FOUND IN AUSTRALIA as the #FIFAWWC mascot,” McKay wrote on Twitter.

There are actually two species of Eudyptula penguin - the minor, which is found exclusively in New Zealand and upon which Tazuni was based, and the novaehollandiae, which is found in Australia.

The news was met with amusement from football fans, many making light of the 'short-lived unity' between Australia and New Zealand as a result.

Some speculated that Australia would simply claim the New Zealand species as its own, along the lines of how the likes of Russell Crowe, Crowded House, and many other Kiwi cultural exports have been commonly and erroneously associated with Australia.

Another fan pointed out that Tazuni hailing from New Zealand was a fair trade, considering Australia was hosting the lion's share of key key fixtures - including the final.

“We get the most games, the easier travel schedule and the final; they get the draw, the opening game and the penguin,” one fan pointed out.

Mascot furore emerges as Matildas round into form for World Cup

The amusing discovery comes after the Matildas have gained their best victory for a year, capping their European road trip with a 3-1 win against Denmark in Viborg.

Despite conceding a shock goal after just 47 seconds Australia turned the game with three second half goals in the space of nine minutes.

It was their first win over a top-20 ranked side since beating Brazil in Sydney last October, and arguably their most impressive since defeating Great Britain at the Tokyo Olympics.

Two goals from Caitlin Foord sandwiched a stunning strike from Katrina Gorry to deliver the perfect boost before the home double-header against Sweden and Thailand next month.

"That feels very good," said the Arsenal striker. "We've been building and the results haven't fallen our way, to get the win against South Africa and tonight is huge for us and for our confidence. I am proud of the way we bounced back and turned the game around."

A week ago Tony Gustavsson had been under pressure. Two wins and seven goals later the narrative has changed and the coach will hope to keep the momentum swing going all the way to the World Cup.

The Swede made one change from the XI that defeated South Africa 4-1 in London on Saturday.

Sam Kerr, recovered after illness, replaced Mary Fowler with Cortnee Vine keeping her place after her two goals. Vine justified her selection with another lively outing.

With AAP

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