All Whites coach Darren Bazeley described New Zealand’s 4-0 defeat to Haiti in Florida as a tough but valuable lesson ahead of the FIFA World Cup, admitting the result was far from what the team expected after a strong build-up.
Despite relatively even possession and scoring opportunities, Haiti proved far more clinical in front of goal, handing the All Whites their heaviest loss since a 4-0 defeat to Portugal in 2017. Bazeley said the performance exposed shortcomings at both ends of the pitch, particularly the side’s inability to convert chances, with New Zealand scoring just nine goals across its last 11 matches.
The All Whites will look to respond when they face world No. 4 England in their final warm-up match before opening their World Cup campaign against Iran on June 16.
