Football Ferns coach Tony Readings has called for more resources to be poured into helping his side after they were knocked out of the Rio Olympics.
The Ferns Olympic fate was out of their hands after a 3-0 loss to France, and this afternoon's 0-0 draw between Sweden and China ended their Rio dreams.
New Zealand needed China to beat Sweden by two or more goals (or Sweden to beat China by four plus goals) to progress to the knockout rounds.
The Ferns faced an uphill challenge in Rio after being drawn in a tough pool with United States (world No.1) and France (world No.3), but Readings was still left disappointed at his side's early exit.
"We knew it would be a long shot going into this game today between China and Sweden, but we were hopeful that we might get some miracle come out way," said a dejected Readings.
"We are disappointed were going home because we feel like we're good enough to still be in the tournament."
Readings is upbeat about the future and is looking to move on after falling at the first huddle again after a disappointing World Cup campaign last year.
"The really exciting thing about this group is they have a whole load of potential yet to be realised.
"It's an experienced team in many ways, but not as experienced as the likes of France of the USA.
"We've just got to keep this group together, hopefully we get a lot more resources and funding behind the team, because we'll only realised that potential if we get the opportunity."
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