Coach Darren Bazeley’s post-match reaction after All Whites loss to Egypt

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All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley says his team’s performance against Egypt was encouraging but they need to find ways to turn that into goals and victories.

Speaking after New Zealand’s 1-0 loss in Cairo, Bazeley said: “I thought we played well in parts. We’re all obviously disappointed to have lost the game.

Main photo: Darren Bazeley … ‘we played well in parts.’

“There were moments in the game when we played good football. We got in some good areas and created some pretty good chances (but) just didn’t have that vital moment where we can put the ball in the back of the net.

“It’s something that we’ve worked on, and talked about, and we know the evolution of this team is to perform like some of the moments we have and actually start to win games, and score goals.”

About the penalty decision that turned the game, Bazeley said: “We saw it very quickly. It looked like one of those that’s very tight. I haven’t seen it up close.”

The All Whites now look forward to meeting either Tunisia or Croatia in the play-off for third place at the Egyptian Cup tournament.

“It’s been a good week together,” Bazeley said. “We just need more time, more games.”

*Sarpreet Singh … ‘when we play good football, we can match it with anyone.’*

Midfielder Sarpreet Singh, who went closest of the New Zealanders to scoring when his free kick skimmed the Egyptian crossbar, said: “I think we were a bit unlucky. I think we played some good football.

“Now it’s about converting that good football into goals, and I think that’s the next step in the evolution of our team.

“When we play good football, we can match it with anyone.

“We’ve still got a long way to go, a lot of things to do better. It’s a process, and we’ll get there.”