Barely three days after losing to Nigeria’s Super Falcons, the head coach of New Zealand Jitka Klimkova has finally opened up on why they lost.
Goals from Onome Ebi, Jennifer Echeginni and Desire Oparanozie ensured that Nigeria recorded a 3-0 win in Antalya, Turkey.
While speaking to New Zealand news outlet stuff.co.nz, Klimkova confirmed that they were not gritty enough in the defence.
“It was disappointing, especially in front of the goal. We were not gritty enough in our defensive third.
We gave up goals from a set play and across the play.
Then we were definitely pushing for better results and we took a risk and went to three at the back they got a chance in the final minute and scored.
“How many crosses did they block from our side? How many times did they win those battles in our final third? The critical piece was in the front goal and defence”, she said.
New Zealand is one of the hosts of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.