The Junior Football Ferns are on the verge of an early exit from the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup, after a 3-0 defeat to Germany in Alajuela, Costa Rica.
After a 1-1 draw in their tournament opener against Mexico, New Zealand will need at least a win in their final pool match against group-toppers Colombia, if they're to advance.
The Junior Football Ferns are bottom of Group B with one point from their first two matches, but a win against Colombia, combined with a favourable result between Mexico and Germany, could see New Zealand sneak into the next round.
Scoreless over 90 minutes, the Junior Football Ferns managed just two shots on target to Germany's six, as superior finishing told.
After a scoreless first half, Germany took the lead before the hour mark, as defender Ria Clara Frohlich scored from a corner.
Just over five minutes later, Germany had their second, as Sophie Weidauer converted from the penalty spot, after Tui Dugan fouled Maja Sternard in the box to see the Junior Football Ferns trail 2-0.
New Zealand's search for a goal lasted until the final seconds, pushing players forward - only to allow Germany to break out.
A one-on-one with goalkeeper Murphy Sheaff saw Laureta Elmazi square the ball to Gia Corley, who tapped the ball into an empty net in the fourth minute of injury time.
The Junior Football Ferns face Colombia in their final pool match on Wednesday (NZ time).
Germany 3 (Frohlich, Weidauer, Corley) New Zealand 0
