New Zealand departed the under-17 soccer World Cup with their pride restored but disappointed they could not sign off with at least a draw against North Korea in Ulsan, South Korea, on Friday.
A botched clearance cost the Youth All Whites dearly as substitute Rim Chol Min pouncedon Nick Corliss' miscue to score the only goal in the 81st minute of the group B match.
The result followed New Zealand's 0-7 and 0-5 loss to Brazil and England, respectively.
Corliss appeared to have shielded the ball from Rim for New Zealand goalkeeper Michael O'Keeffe to collect.
But a late decision to hook the ball clear backfired, with Corliss only succeeding in steering his clearance off his own face to hand Rim a clear run into an empty goal.
It was a cruel end for New Zealand, who showed glimpses of their potential.
It was tough, too, for Corliss who had produced his best performance of the tournament - including a crucial intercept five minutes earlier - alongside central defensive partner Adam Cowen who made the most of his World Cup debut.
The New Zealanders were worth at least a draw and possibly could have pinched a result given an ounce of luck.
Striker Chris Wood had a first-half header parried away by North Korean goalkeeper O Mun Song while defender Sim Hyon Jin was lucky not to score an own goal after a communication mixup with O Mun Song in the 65th minute.
New Zealand captain Costa Barbarouses, off the bench at halftime, then burst clear from halfway six minutes later.
But just when it appeared he was about to pull the trigger in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper, he opted to cut the ball across the goalmouth and the move died.
"We're obviously disappointed to be out of the tournament but after the first two games, we're quite pleased with the performance tonight apart from the goal we've conceded," coach Colin Tuaa said.
"It's absolutely gutting because we had a really good 10 minute spell just before the goal. You could see North Korea fading but then they struck and it's game over."
New Zealand 0 North Korea 1 (Rim Chol Min). Halftime: 0-0.
