Jason Pine: Junior All Whites get reality check

New Zealand keeper Oliver Sail reacts after conceding another goal during the FIFA U-20 World Cup match between New Zealand and USA. Photo / Dean Purcell.

If we needed a reality check about the strength of the teams at this tournament, relative to New Zealand, we got it last night at North Harbour Stadium.

The United States weren't in the top ten favourites to win the trophy before the tournament started, but they were far, far too good for the Junior All Whites at Albany.

Against good sides, possession of the football is key and unfortunately New Zealand gave it up far too easily.

The Americans didn't need a second invitation.

Stats can often be misleading, but the USA's thirty - yes, thirty - shots on goal tell the story of a dominant side.

Given that, to only let four in could be seen as a reasonable achievement by New Zealand.

Despite an error for the second goal, Oliver Sail made a number of excellent saves.

At the other end though, there was little to enthuse about.

There wasn't nearly enough quality in New Zealand's front third, with USA 'keeper Zackary Steffen rarely employed.

The game one experiment of playing Alex Rufer at centre-forward was dispensed with, but I was puzzled to see him unused. He is quality player who would add plenty in the engine room.

Monty Patterson impressed off the bench and may have done enough to earn a start on Friday.

But, in short, the Junior All Whites paid a hefty price for giving the ball away too easily and were unable to create enough chances of their own.

The USA dismantled us, pure and simple.

So, what now?

Well, all is certainly not lost.

If New Zealand can beat Myanmar in Wellington on Friday, that should be enough to see them progress to the knockout stages as one of the four best third-placed sides.

But New Zealand needs to quickly find some form, especially in attack.

Of the teams to play two games, they're the only ones yet to find the net.

It's not really the sort of goal-scoring form you want heading into a game you have to win.