New Zealand Coach: "It's disappointing because we played so well in the first half"

New Zealand national football team coach Darren Bazeley expressed regret over his team's second-half collapse against Egypt, which ultimately ended in a 3-1 defeat. Despite the loss, the "All Whites" still have a chance to advance if they can overcome Belgium in their final group stage match, a Belgian side also winless despite boasting several star players.

Following a 2-2 draw in their opening match against Iran, the New Zealanders took a 1-0 lead before halftime at BC Place in Vancouver. However, they conceded three goals in the second half, ultimately succumbing to defeat. Led by Mohamed Salah, who contributed a goal and an assist, Egypt now sits atop Group G with 4 points.

"It's disappointing because we played so well in the first half. We scored a great goal, created many chances, and felt like we dominated possession for most of the first 45 minutes. We felt comfortable; they weren't really causing us problems."

"At halftime, we had a good chat, discussed some things we could do a little better, but we came out for the second half and just couldn't recapture the tempo and quality we showed in the first half," lamented the New Zealand coach.

However, Egypt imposed such a dynamic pace at the start of the second half that it was only a matter of time before the scoreline shifted.

"Yes, they really came out with a different mindset and upped the tempo. But I still think it's disappointing to lose like that. They certainly have good players like Salah, but we could have been celebrating at the end of the match too. Some things frustrate me, like seeing Salah score a goal, the kind I've watched him score for 10 years – cutting in and striking with his left foot. But, overall, I think we defended very well against players like him."