With emotions running high and the agony of a four-year campaign ending in defeat, All Whites coach Anthony Hudson has voiced his frustrations at aspects of his side's build-up to their World Cup qualifying loss to Peru in Lima.
The 2-0 defeat in South America ended New Zealand's hopes of a spot in Russia next year, a tournament they have only qualified for twice - in 1982 and 2010.
Hudson said an assortment of small issues disrupted their preparation for the final showdown with Peru, but he refused to use them as an excuse for the loss.
"We've got such an honest group of players, who have dealt with it so well," Hudson told media after the game. "They've been so calm with it all.
"I'm always really honest and I probably shouldn't be at times, but I think it's been poor.
"We got on the airplane, and I asked the stewardess how long it was to Peru and she said, "We're not going to Peru, we're going to Chile!"
As well as the delayed and diverted flights, the All Whites had to deal with other issues, since they landed in Peru.
Lost gate keys, roadblocks, a bus driver who managed to get stuck in the stadium driveway - even local witch doctors placed a curse on the New Zealand side.
But for Hudson, the last 24 hours had been extremely disappointing
"We didn't sleep at all last night, with the fireworks," he said.
"Today, I thought I'd grab a quick hour's sleep by the pool and all of a sudden, all these jet fighter planes are flying past and the pilots are taking selfies in the planes, with their Peru shirts on."
Hudson, who is linked to a move to Major League Soccer with the Colorado Rapids, deflected questions about his future as All Whites coach, saying that time will come.
"Obviously, I'm incredibly disappointed, but my initial feeling is one of incredible pride for the players," he said.
"They're a quality team and on the night, they just had a bit too much for us."
Newshub.
