What might have been. This was an almost perfect start to the Under-20 World Cup but the 'almost' might yet come back to haunt New Zealand at this tournament.
On the surface, the 0-0 result is a good one but, given what transpired in the second half, perhaps not good enough.
Sure, it's the first time New Zealand have avoided defeat against a European team at this level, after three previous losses, and some gritty defence kept Ukraine at bay for long periods. And yes, the home side have a base to build on, thanks to their first clean sheet at an Under-20 World Cup.
But they missed several gilt-edged opportunities, at least two of which should have been taken. Sam Brotherton's attempt was probably the most telling and the biggest head-in-hands moment as the defender headed the ball agonisingly wide of an empty goal in the 91st minute.
"I think it might haunt me for the rest of my life," said a downcast Brotherton. "The ball came into the box, popped out and I was a bit unsure of my surroundings. I got my head on it and, unfortunately, it didn't go in the right direction. The keeper made himself quite big. I've tried to go across the keeper but it was just a bit too far across."
