New Zealand's future at the Under-20 World Cup hangs in the balance, after a resounding 4-0 defeat at the hands of the United States last night.
An occasion that promised so much was ultimately flat, as the home side offered little against a superb American team. They lacked the energy and conviction they had displayed against Ukraine, and at times passed the ball with the accuracy of a group had just been introduced before kick-off, not a squad that has enjoyed the best build up of any New Zealand team in history.
The Junior All Whites still have a chance of progressing to the second round - a victory against Myanmar would probably be enough - but that is by no means assured on this evidence. New Zealand lack a cutting edge in front of goal, are too predictable in midfield and look hesitant at the back. It won't be an easy repair job over the next few days.
The United States were a cut above. Their movement, touch and vision was far superior for most of the match and Arsenal's Gedion Zelalem lived up to the hype; he was brilliant and looks an early contender for the Golden Ball award.
But it didn't help that the Junior All Whites couldn't retain the ball in midfield. There was some pretty stuff in their own half but possession was almost immediately squandered whenever they came close to the final third. They also couldn't hold the ball up front - American striker Rubio Rubin gave a master-class in this - and too often resorted to a hopeful long ball forward.
