Even in the disappointment of an early exit from their own World Cup, the Football Ferns couldn't be more grateful for the support of New Zealanders as they attempted to make history.
On Sunday, a scoreless draw condemned New Zealand to a third-place finish in Group A of this year's Women's World Cup, missing out on a spot in the round of 16.
Victory would have seen the Football Ferns become the first New Zealand side to advance to the knockouts at a senior World Cup.
Instead, though, the Football Ferns will wait until 2027 at the earliest to attempt to do what was once considered unthinkable for a Kiwi side.
But, while the defeat will sting for time to come, the Football Ferns' co-captains Ria Percival and Ali Riley can look back with pride.
This year's World Cup saw unprecedented support for women's football in Aotearoa, notably seeing the tournament opener - against Norway at Eden Park - attract a record crowd of more than 42,000 people, and simultaneously draw in the biggest television audience since 1982.
And as crowds of more than 32,000 and 25,000 packed into Wellington and Dunedin respectively for a loss and draw to the Philippines and Switzerland, the numbers show support for the Ferns.
Speaking after arriving back in Auckland on Monday, the co-captains outlined their gratitude for the support that came their way.
"The fans have been the biggest thing that have inspired us," said Percival. "They've been there through every game.
"Look at the opening game where we made history, and got that win. That lifted the spirits of the whole country.
"We wouldn't have done it without them also. It's been massive to see. We've seen a big turning point in football in New Zealand.
"For us, it's [about] keep working to encourage younger girls to dream of doing what we're doing now.
"The fans have been incredible this World Cup."
Regardless of the results, the Football Ferns can - and should - look back with pride at what they achieved over the last two weeks.
The victory over Norway was New Zealand's first at a senior World Cup, as Hannah Wilkinson's strike created one of the most significant moments in Kiwi sport.
While it's hoped that win will create a lifetime love for the beautiful game among youngsters, only time will tell if that enthusiasm filters upwards.
But for Riley, inspiring a new generation more than makes up for an early exit.
"We had three goals, we obviously didn't reach one of them," said Riley. "It'll take time, but all of the messages we've received, and the impact we've had - especially on young girls around this country - that was our number one goal.
"For us to be able to do that, even though we didn't make it out of the group, that is success."
