New Zealand’s coach, Stephen Cain watched his wards blown off the park by an unstoppable Nigerian team in a 5-0 whitewash but he insisted that he remained proud of his team.
“I am imeensely proud of my team’s performance tonight. We’ve lost against a world-class team – they would have beaten any opposition this evening. It was a bridge too far for us.
They were too quick, too strong, too clever, with 11 men on the field, it was difficult. With 10 men, it was impossible. And they are a hell of a side,” Cain said immediately after the match.
Three goals in the first half and two more in the second, saw the hosts and defending champions coast to the biggest margin of victory so far in the tournament, and the New Zealand coach pointed out that the two early goals put paid to their pre-game tactical plans.
“We were a little unlucky with the first two goals, as they came from loose balls, although it must be said that they were quickest to them.
“Our plan was to hold them for at least the first half hour so that doubts would start to creep in, but after they’d scored two such early goals, it was an uphill struggle.
“They made full use of the pitch, used all the space and kept possession throughout. They were just too strong for us.
“But I’m proud of my players, and I’m convinced that they’ll emerge from this tournament as better players and better people.”
And he had no reservations about picking Nigeria to successfully defend their crown.
“I always thought they were the favourites. I never said so, because I don’t want to frighten my players. But yes, they are a great team. If anybody beats them, they’ll deserve to win this.”