Cup dream ends with a whimper

Reuters

YOU'RE WRONG, REF: New Zealand midfielder Simon Elliott argues with referee Benito Archundia during yesterday's match against South Africa.

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The All Whites are under pressure to gain some credibility at the Confederations Cup after a listless performance against the previously struggling South Africans.

It is an understatement to say the 2-0 loss at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg yesterday was flattering to New Zealand they were completely outclassed and the scoreline could have easily read 5-0 if the ever-reliable Glen Moss had not been in top form.

Thankfully he was, but it didn't mask the fact that the All Whites tumbled out of the cup without firing a shot in losses to Spain and, more disappointingly, South Africa. Whereas Spain are the world's best team and little was expected against them, South Africa are ranked 72 in the world, just 10 spots above New Zealand.

Though few would have expected victory against the hosts, yesterday's match should at least have been competitive. It was far from it. Bafana Bafana, as South Africa are known, were as advertised quick, skilful, energetic, man for man a better team and the goals either side of halftime by young striker Bernard Parker were the least they deserved.

New Zealand were flat, defended too deep, failed to pick up runners, and put little or no pressure on the ball. Their attack was unimaginative, and Shane Smeltz and Chris Killen were given nothing to work with.

The shot count 22-5 in South Africa's favour was evidence that the promise of a more attack-minded approach never eventuated. Aside from Moss, midfielder Simon Elliott and Smeltz, it's hard to find a player who had a decent game. Tim Brown and Leo Bertos, usually so industrious, struggled and were substituted, while defensively there are huge concerns on both flanks, with opposing teams getting far too much space.

All seven goals New Zealand have conceded have come down the right side. Both fullbacks, Tony Lochhead and David Mulligan, have struggled to cope, but they are not alone.

"We're going to learn some lessons through this," coach Ricki Herbert said. "We've struggled a little bit on both sides, really. I was disappointed, certainly on the left side tonight, so I think we'll freshen things up."

Aaron Scott might be worth a go, or even Ben Sigmund at fullback, though it seems Sigmund will start in the middle of the defence in their final match, against Iraq in Johannesburg on Sunday. Iraq must win well to make the semifinals, but although there is nothing to gain for the Kiwis, they will want to leave with their heads held high.

Other changes will be considered. Ironically, given Moss' performance, the only other confirmed change thus far apart from Sigmund is Mark Paston in for Moss. Paston needs game time and he will be the No1 goalkeeper for the World Cup qualifiers later this year because of Moss' ban.

It's hard to recall that just seven days ago this team went blow for blow with Italy but it now has to find a short-cut from the outhouse to the penthouse inside three days. Where they lack in skill, they need to make up in aggression and physicality, two things that were missing yesterday.

"Some of the performances were disappointing, some players were OK," Herbert said. "I'm not sure we are a side that can play with half the side [firing]."