New Zealand fought valiantly but struggled to stifle France’s flair in their men's football pool match in Marseille today.
France, unbeaten in the tournament, went ahead in the 19th minute through a goal by Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Despite struggling for possession, New Zealand hung on until the break. In the second half France scored two more goals, to Desire Doue and Arnaud Kalimuendo.
France dominated every aspect of play – they had 32 shots at goal to New Zealand’s eight, they had 14 corners to 5 and they had two-thirds of the possession. New Zealand struggled to string passes together.
New Zealand have had one win in the tournament, 2-1 over Guinea, plus losses to the United States 4-1 and now to France.