All Whites coach ‘disappointed’ but proud
It was plain to see Anthony Hudson was experiencing a mixture of emotions.
The All Whites coach had just watched his team beaten 2-1 by Mexico at the Confederations Cup yesterday, ending New Zealand’s chances of advancing to the knockout stages after an opening 2-0 defeat to Russia.
But he had also witnessed a hugely improved performance from his charges, who led 1-0 at halftime in Sochi and played with a physicality, energy and creative attitude so lacking in that loss to the tournament hosts only four days prior.
It may not have been perfect, and not enough for the world No 95 Kiwis to halt the charge of the 17thranked Mexicans in the second spell, but it was an effort which proved the All Whites, on their day at least, are capable of pushing the big teams on the big stage.
Hudson assessed the performance as ‘‘deeply disappointing’’ but ‘‘incredible’’ all at the same time.
‘‘We’re in the changing room and everyone is incredibly disappointed and felt we should have got more from the game,’’ he said after the often fiery encounter.
‘‘I’d say that was good sign for a team like ours. I’m proud of my team for their performance and what they put into the game and the shirt.
‘‘We showed if we start the game properly we are a good team and can cause big teams problems. The next step is to turn these big performances into results.’’
After roaring from behind in the second half, Mexico probably deserved to win. They had 22 shots to New Zealand’s 10, were 10-4 to the better in the on-target stakes and ended with 66 per cent of possession.
However, the All Whites were the better team in the first 45 minutes and could have got a draw, or even more. Captain Chris Wood scored the game’s opening goal but spurned two other golden chances, while yet-again outstanding midfielder Ryan Thomas rattled a long-range strike off the cross bar as fulltime loomed.
‘‘We just had a lot more confidence and belief in ourselves, we tried to play more and we played in Mexico’s half. We put them under pressure and caused them a lot of problems,’’ Hudson said.
One indication of that was how high the levels of frustration got within the Mexican camp. Players and staff launched a tirade at their counterparts and the officials in the first half when New Zealand played on with a Mexican defender on the ground injured and Wood had a guilt-edged opportunity in front of goal.