New Zealand disappointed but proud after World Cup exit

New Zealand's World Cup journey concluded with a decisive 5-1 defeat against Belgium, leaving the team at the bottom of Group G. Despite the scoreline, coach Darren Bazeley conveyed a sense of pride in his squad's efforts throughout the tournament.

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We needed to pick up our points in the first two games and we gave ourselves the opportunity to do that, and we didn't take it.

Bazeley reflected on the team's missed opportunities in earlier matches, particularly the draws against Iran and Egypt where they failed to secure wins after taking the lead. He acknowledged that facing Belgium, already assured of advancement, in the final group game presented a unique challenge. "We needed to pick up our points in the first two games and we gave ourselves the opportunity to do that, and we didn't take it," Bazeley stated.

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Most of these guys will be back in four years' time and they will be better for it.

The coach emphasized the learning experience for his young squad, many of whom are expected to compete in the next World Cup. "Most of these guys will be back in four years' time and they will be better for it," he said, adding that the pain of this exit should fuel their future development. "They'll definitely be better for it because it'll hurt, and it should hurt because we're at a World Cup and now we're going home."

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They'll definitely be better for it because it'll hurt, and it should hurt because we're at a World Cup and now we're going home.

Striker Chris Wood, a veteran of the 2010 squad, observed a clear progression in the team's capabilities. "You always want to play the best teams, that's how you progress and that's how you get better," Wood commented. "I think we showed that against Egypt and Iran. We raised our level to that, but we couldn't raise our level to Belgium tonight unfortunately. They're a top side."

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You always want to play the best teams, that's how you progress and that's how you get better.