Bazeley: New Zealand can still make history at the World Cup
New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley has urged his team to focus on the decisive match against Belgium after their defeat to Egypt.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Public domain / Author: Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Theis Stirdivant
New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley has reflected on his team's 3-1 defeat to Egypt in their second group stage match of the 2026 World Cup.
The coach admitted the result was a major disappointment, especially given the quality of play his team displayed during the first half.
It is a disappointment. In the first half we played very well. We dominated possession and created many moments. In the second half we came out and, in my opinion, played okay, but we lacked the pace. Egypt increased the tempo, and we could not replicate what we did so well in the first half. In the end, that hurt us. Darren Bazeley
Despite the setback, the New Zealand manager remains optimistic ahead of the final group stage round and believes the team can still achieve a historic result.
We have one game left and we can make history. Now we know we have to beat Belgium. Darren Bazeley
New Zealand will face Belgium in their final group stage match, maintaining a chance to qualify for the tournament's knockout stages.