Opinion: All Whites v Portugal - four things we learned

Chris Wood and Pepe.
Chris Wood and Pepe. Photo credit: Getty Images

OPINION: The All Whites started brightly, but were predictably outclassed by European Champions Portugal, losing their final game of the Confederations Cup 4-0 in St Petersburg. Here's four things we learned from their last hit-out in Russia.

The first 10 minutes showed the potential of this team

New Zealand started the game strongly, displaying everything coach Anthony Hudson would have wanted to see. The forwards pressed up the pitch, and the midfielders shut down anything Portugal tried to thread through the middle of the park. 

All Whites midfielder Ryan Thomas.
All Whites midfielder Ryan Thomas. Photo credit: Getty Images

The back three looked in control and cleared any danger away. In possession, the All Whites got creative sparks Ryan Thomas and Marco Rojas on the ball, and played some nice football across the deck. Portugal soon worked their way into the match, but the positive start is a blueprint New Zealand can take forward in the future.

They have to improve in the air

While the All Whites at times coped well from crosses out wide and from set-piece, they struggled to match it with Portugal in the air. Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo used his trampoline legs to outjump New Zealand on three occasions, firing headers at goal-keeper Stefan Marinovic and against the crossbar. 

Cristiano Ronaldo and Tommy Smith contest for the ball.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Tommy Smith contest for the ball. Photo credit: Getty Images

The first goal came from a corner, with centre-back Tommy Smith and wing-back Tom Doyle struggling to track their man. In the end, a clumsy challenge gave away a penalty, which was duly converted from Ronaldo.  Without inspirational defender Winston Reid, the marking and contesting in the box needs to be better.

Marco Rojas needs to be more involved

The talented Melbourne Victory midfielder tends to drift in and out of games at the international level. The All Whites are at their best when they get the ball into the feet of Rojas and Thomas, and too often Rojas goes missing with a lack of service.

Marco Rojas struggled against the European champions.
Marco Rojas struggled against the European champions. Photo credit: Getty Images

It was no coincidence that one of New Zealand's best chances came from a pacy Rojas run, setting up a good cross from Doyle, and a sliding effort from Chris Wood.  To his credit, the 25-year old works hard and gets back on defence, but getting him more ball in the game is a must.

Marinovic has the No. 1 jersey locked down

It was another impressive showing from Stefan Marinovic in the New Zealand goal, making a number of quality saves from point-blank range. He has excelled throughout the tournament between the sticks, and there is little chance Tamati Williams or Glen Moss will be able to force their way into the starting line-up for the foreseeable future. 

Stefan Marinovic attempts to block the ball.
Stefan Marinovic attempts to block the ball. Photo credit: Getty Images

Marinovic seems to have improved under the high ball as well, getting out to a corner and punching it clear. His shot-stopping instincts are spot on, and his ability to clear off both feet is also under-rated. Terrific tournament from the 25-year old.

Henry Rounce is a sports reporter for RadioLIVE