The New Zealand men’s football team is out of the Paris Olympics after losing 3-0 to hosts France in Marseille.
But the OlyWhites put up a brave fight against the tournament favourites in a match they had to win to have a chance of making the quarterfinals out of Group A.
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While Darren Bazeley’s side failed to produce a shot on target during the match, they created several half-chances, the best of which was defender Michael Boxall with a free header, but could not bring the ball down, and it sailed over the bar.
Sarpreet Singh produced a couple of dangerous moments for New Zealand who were ultimately undone by a somewhat fortuitous opening goal.
The ball rebounded off the New Zealand defence into the feet of Jean-Philippe Mateta, who slotted the ball past Alex Paulsen in the New Zealand goal in the 19th minute.
New Zealand made a bright start to the second half and enjoyed more possession in the early stages, but France made sure of the three points and an unbeaten group stage with a second goal in the 71st minute through Desire Doue, who was a constant threat on attack.
They rubbed salt into New Zealand’s wounds with a third goal three minutes later through Arnaud Kalimuendo from close range.
New Zealand finished third in Group A behind France and the USA and above Guinea, who they beat 1-0 in their group opener.
France 3 (Jean-Philippe Mateta 19, Desire Doue 71’, Arnaud Kalimuendo 74’) New Zealand 0. HT 1-0
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