Eliminated Oly-Whites see red over card

The Oly-Whites ended their Olympic Games football campaign in Shanghai as they began, with 10 men and bemoaning another harsh refereeing call.

Coach Stu Jacobs' team bowed out after a 0-1 defeat to Belgium in their final group C match, leaving them with two losses and an unlucky day one draw with China.

Zealous officiating again dominated the match, when Wellington striker Daniel Ellensohn was red carded by Chilean referee Pablo Pozo for a clumsy challenge in the 46th minute.

What appeared a marginal yellow card offence was given full importance by Pozo who marched Ellensohn, sending New Zealand's victory hopes plummeting.

They needed to beat Belgium to qualify from group C but instead their opponents progressed, along with class acts Brazil who beat China 3-0.

"The send-off was harsh, even some (world governing body) Fifa officials said it was a yellow card at best," Jacobs said.

"Some of the reds have been mighty harsh – at least they're consistent but it doesn't make it easier to take."

Key defender Steven Old was marched in the first half of their opener against China when the referee ruled his hand ball a second bookable offence. The Oly-Whites still held on to draw 1-1.

Asked whether he thought referees treated the smaller footballing sides like New Zealand differently, Jacobs was diplomatic.

"The refereeing (last night) was a bit inconsistent, he let some things go and pulled us up on others. Whether they think because we're a lesser nation we're not au fait with the rules. . .

"But that's the game and you've got to deal with it, and get on and play."

Still, New Zealand had their chances to level with Belgium, especially when Celtic striker Chris Killen was one-on-one with keeper Logan Bailly in the 74th minute but his powerful left foot shot was well saved.

Belgium scored their matchwinner in the 35th minute from a Faris Haroun header when the New Zealand defenders and goalkeeper Jacob Spoonley failed to clear a corner.

The Oly-Whites were without two crucial men, captain Ryan Nelsen who was required to return to Blackburn Rovers and striker Jeremy Brockie who was suspended after a second yellow card.

Overall the Belgians dominated, with 17 shots to New Zealand's four, and 11 corners to three.

Jacobs still rated their Olympics a seven out of 10, given the limited budget and rushed preparation time which included matches in Australia and Indonesia.

"Putting everything in the pot we've done pretty well, especially playing 1½ games with 10 men."

He hoped some of his classy youngsters, namely midfielder Cole Peverley and defender Ian Hogg, would have been recognised by European clubs for potential contracts during the past week.

And Jacobs said Nelsen's presence as captain, after he was released by Blackburn for the first two matches, was an unmitigated success.

"He was exceptional, an absolute professional to have in the camp."

-NZPA