Photo by Harriet Lander – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
The New Zealand men’s football team is out of the Paris Olympics after losing 3-0 to hosts France in Marseille
The Oly Whites put up a brave fight against the tournament favourites in a match they had to win to have a chance of making the quarter-finals.
While Darren Bazeley’s side failed to produce a shot on target during the match, they created several half chances, the best of which came from defender Michael Boxall with a free header that sailed over the cross bar.
Sarpreet Singh produced a couple of dangerous moments for New Zealand who were ultimately undone by a somewhat fortuitous opening goal.
The ball rebounded off the New Zealand defence into the feet of Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, who slotted the ball past Alex Paulsen in the New Zealand goal in the 19th minute.
New Zealand made a bright start to the second half and enjoyed more possession in the early stages, but France made sure of the three points and an unbeaten group stage with a second goal in the 71st minute through Desire Doue, who was a constant threat on attack.
Salt was rubbed into New Zealand’s wounds with a third goal three minutes later, through Arnaud Kalimuendo from close range.
New Zealand finish third in the group behind France and the USA and above Guinea whom they beat in their opening match.
France: 3 (Jean-Philippe MATETA 19, Desire DOUE 71’, Arnaud KALIMUENDO 74’)
New Zealand: 0
HT 1-0