Certainly the players were disappointing and the extreme conditions were a huge factor (the temperatures and humidity were described by one observer as "life-threatening") but Herbert didn't perform either.
There were strange selection decisions - Chris Killen in central midfield was one - and the tactics, game plan and formations didn't suit the opposition or conditions. In contrast, their opponents, especially New Caledonia, had done their homework, coming up with strategies to stifle the All Whites.
In the aftermath of that semifinal, Herbert seemed to put the blame almost completely at the feet of the "senior players" while appearing reluctant to see his own failings. The relationship between Herbert and the core group of All Whites from the Phoenix, so strong a few years earlier, was already fractured as results had gone south at the Wellington club. Some of those players felt the details and diligence weren't satisfactory off the field at the A-League club; that had implications on it.
He also lost respect among the group on the final night in Honiara. Herbert approached some younger members of the squad and launched into an uncomplimentary spiel about Ryan Nelsen. It was said within earshot of other team members and, as Nelsen was still the captain at that stage, the lack of respect did not go down well.
The episode, like the one after the Azteca game where he seemed more intent on defending his legacy than the task at hand, suggested a distracted man who had lost focus.
For all he achieved in the first half of his tenure, Herbert lost his way in the second half. His success in 2010 produced complacency and also made him even less open to criticism, constructive or not.
It's debatable whether he got enough credit after 2010. He certainly got some; Coach of the Year at the Halbergs, feted up and down the country for months and lauded internationally.
But as one former All White told me recently: "Does it really matter who did what? What matters is that we got it done."
Herbert - and Turner - also seem genuinely mystified as to why Herbert has become such a divisive figure in the game.
On the surface, it does seem a little strange; 1982 coach John Adshead is still celebrated 31 years later, while Herbert, who achieved much more, attracts as many brickbats as bouquets.
There are reasons and he can't just blame the media. Journalists can sway opinions, but not that much. Some writers have appeared to hold almost personal grudges against Herbert but that happens in sports across the world.
For the best part of seven years, Herbert, as Phoenix and All Whites coach, held total power over the footballing livelihoods of every player in this country.
If that kind of power is not always used appropriately, there will be repercussions in the future.
He also ignored and discredited the ASB Premiership. There was virtually no contact with coaches or clubs and a view that the competition could not produce quality players. Instead, he preferred to sign journeyman Australians to the Phoenix, most of whom failed.
Incoming Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick has, in a few short months, provided a refreshing contrast with his open approach and awareness of the club's crucial position in New Zealand football.
Herbert, especially in the latter years, fostered a blame culture where the players were slated in public while he did not confront his own shortcomings. It happened after Honiara, after the match in Mexico and after the 4-2 loss in Wellington.
One of the more bizarre occurrences came just after the match at the Azteca. In reference to the role of "senior players" during his tenure, Herbert said: "People talk about senior players ... the bit I say [is] you name me the experienced players that lost 4-2 to Vanuatu [in 2004] ... I can give you 10 names that all had a number of caps internationally and we got nothing."
Included in that 2004 team, of which Herbert was assistant coach, were current squad members Tony Lochhead, Leo Bertos, Shane Smeltz and Ivan Vicelich. Herbert seemed unconcerned about what that quartet might make of those comments.
Herbert should not worry about his legacy. That is assured. He will always be a football legend in this country.
He restored pride in the All Whites jersey and oversaw a series of incredible achievements.
Herbert also worked under some extremely challenging circumstances at the Phoenix and for an organisation (New Zealand Football) that has often left much to be desired.
But he also needs to accept - for his own peace of mind as much as anything - that a) criticism and counter-opinions are part of the game as a high-profile sports coach and b) in regards to the above, often you reap what you sow.
