Head coach of New Zealand women’s senior national team, Jitka Klimková, believes her team didn’t do enough against the Super Falcons of Nigeria last Tuesday.
Klimkova stated Nigeria’s Super Falcons were superior to her side during a friendly game played at the Mardan Sports Complex in Antalya on Turkey’s southern coast on Tuesday.
The New Zealanders lost 3-0 to Super Falcons, with goals from Jennifer Echegini, Onome Ebi and Desire Oparanozie.
“It was disappointing – specifically in front of the goal,” the coach was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz.
“We were not gritty enough in our defensive third.
“We gave up a goal from a set play, we gave up a goal from a cross.
She also explained how her side got everything wrong defensively.
“Then we were obviously pushing for a better result and we took a risk and went with three centre backs and they got a chance in the last minute and scored.
“For me, the biggest improvement that we need to now look for is our gritty defending in the box and putting bodies on the line – the same way they did.
“How many crosses did they block from our side? How many times did they win those battles in our final third? The critical piece today was really in front of the goals – defensively and in attack.” She said.
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