New Zealand suffered their third straight defeat, going down 0-2 to Finland in their final match at a four-nation women's soccer tournament in China last night.
After a lifeless and scoreless first half, Finland who are seven places above New Zealand in the world rankings, scored twice after
the break to finish their tournament on a high.
China and South Korea, who each beat New Zealand and Finland, were the other teams in the tournament played at Guangzhou.
New Zealand lost 0-6 to China and 3-4 to South Korea.
Coach John Herdman said a couple of errors proved costly but his frustration was lightened by the chance to size up young players with the 2011 women's World Cup and 2012 Olympics in mind.
" It was pretty evenly matched game with each side cancelling the other out.
"We made a few changes after the first goal, and it wasn't until Annalie Longo and Betsy Hassett moved into central midfield that we began to look like the `new' New Zealand we're aiming to become," Herdman said.
"In the last 25 minutes with young players such as Longo, Hassett, (Hannah) Wall, (Rosie) White and (Sarah) McLaughlin leading the attack, we looked our most threatening."
Eleven of the 18-strong squad were selected from the under-20 World Cup squad, and while Abby Erceg, Ria Percival and Katie Hoyle are already long-established in the senior side, Herdman says the newer players have not missed the chance to push claims for consideration in his long-term plan.
"Hannah Wall deserves a mention for an impressive debut tour and it's been a breakthrough trip for Betsy Hassett who's shown her ability in both the centre and on the right of midfield and now is a key part of the squad.
"We've also had the opportunity to introduce players such as 15-year-old Rosie White into senior football, and time will show how much impact that has on her game, and our future."
Herdman was expected to name an extended 30-strong training squad in late January, and select 18 in February for the eight-nation Cyprus Cup in March.
- NZPA
