New Zealand's heroic run at the FIFA U20 World Cup has come to a heartbreaking end, after losing to Colombia in a tense penalty shootout in Lodz, Poland on Monday (NZ time).
With the scores locked at 1-1 after 120 minutes of action, the round of 16 match went to a shootout for the first time in the tournament which the South American nation won 5-4.
Kiwi keeper Michael Woud saved the first two Colombian penalties, which put New Zealand in the box seat to reach the quarter-finals for the first time.
- New Zealand to face Colombia in round of 16 at FIFA U20 World Cup
- Dominant New Zealand winning in style at FIFA U20 World Cup
- New Zealand claim record win over Honduras at U20 World Cup
The 20-year-old then saved Colombia's third, but referee Ahmed Al-Kaf controversially ordered a re-take, deeming Woud came off his line too early, and the Colombians didn't miss another penalty attempt.
New Zealand captain Joe Bell had his attempt saved, while Gianni Stensness fired his penalty over the crossbar before Kevin Mier saved Matthew's Conroy's effort to send his country through to the quarter-finals.
The result was a tough pill to swallow for Des Buckingham's side, as they were arguably the better team during the match.
"The way they've just played shows New Zealand players can not only compete, but win on the world stage," said Buckingham.
"They've shown that in their group games and I thought the way they just played was fantastic.
"I'm proud of what they've achieved, what we've achieved, individually and collectively, and how we've represented the country.
"There are some devastated players, but when they reflect on the last four to five weeks, I think they'll realise the impact this has had on football in New Zealand.
"We've come and outplayed teams. We've got good players. It's a horrible way to exit the tournament, especially when you're so close to making history but I'm so proud of them."
Colombia opened the scoring after 11 minutes when Andres Reyes got his head on a free-kick to put the ball past Woud.
New Zealand responded in the 35th minute when Eli Just tapped home Liberato Cacace's cross.
Both teams had opportunities to break the deadlock in the second half, but a poor final touch or heroic saves by both teams keepers kept the scored locked.
Just had the best chance to win the match when he tried to chip Mier, but his shot didn't have enough power.
New Zealand finishes the tournament with wins over Honduras and Norway but had losses to Uruguay and Colombia.
Newshub.
