A strong second-half showing has not been enough to prevent the All Whites falling to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Northern Ireland in Belfast.
Despite the loss there were plenty of promising signs for the upcoming FIFA Confederations Cup campaign as Anthony Hudson’s men fought back well from going behind early.
Northern Ireland took the lead within the opening six minutes when Liam Boyce cut onto his left inside the box and hit a low shot past All Whites goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic.
It was a fine solo effort from Boyce whose footwork eluded the All Whites defence and allowed the Ross County striker to score his first international goal in just his second start.
After that frenetic start, both teams settled into their rhythm. Around the 25-minute mark the All Whites, who are getting ready for the Confederations Cup in just over a fortnight, warmed into their work and enjoyed one of their best periods of the game.
Clayton Lewis delivered a dangerous swinging cross from the right and Rojas produced some fine skill down the touchline on the opposite flank but on both occasions the final touch was missing.
The visitors held possession well for long periods but Northern Ireland always looked dangerous on the break.
They nearly made it 2-0 just before half-time when Magennis appeared to have fouled Smith but it was waved away.
He then bore down on the New Zealand goal but Marinovic was on hand to make a fine save at his near post to keep the margin at 1-0 heading into the sheds.
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill made three changes at the break, while Hudson brought on Bill Tuiloma in place of Lewis and the Olympique de Marseille holding midfielder added some real presence in the middle of the park, as well as providing an attacking threat through his trademark long throws.
Whatever Hudson said at half time seemed to have the desired effect as New Zealand had two chances within the opening moments of the second spell to level the score.
Firstly, captain Wood found Ryan Thomas on the edge of the area in the All Whites’ best attacking move so far but the midfielder’s effort was blocked.
Later in the same sequence of play, the ball broke to left wing-back Doyle, who hit a thunderous strike across the face of Michael McGovern’s goal.
Hudson made two further attacking changes with Kosta Barbarouses and Monty Patterson both coming on for Kip Colvey and Rojas respectively, while Deklan Wynne later entered the fray in a straight swap for Doyle.
Barbarouses nearly made an immediate impact as the All Whites looked like they would level in the 71st minute.
The Wellington Phoenix man was put into space in the box from a Smith ball and hit a low curling shot that agonisingly struck the far post and bounced away.
It was the defining moment of the match and one where New Zealand were unlucky not to be back on level terms.
They went on to come home strongly though and will take plenty of confidence from a performance that suggests they are far more capable than their new world ranking of 95th would indicate.
Newshub.
