The All Whites' 2-0 defeat to Greece in Athens this morning isn't an international friendly goalkeeper Michael Woud will want to rewatch in a hurry.
Playing the 2004 European champions at home, ranked 52 places above New Zealand, was always going to be challenge – but the nature in which the opener was conceded would have disappointed the Kiwi keeper.
In the tenth minute Woud reacted late to a menacing cross swung in from Giannis Konstantelias. Caught in two minds and perhaps relying on centre-back Tyler Bindon to clear the ball, the cross instead missed everybody and curled into the back of the net.
Greece doubled their lead not long after in the 29th minute, Woud unable to properly parry away a powerful header after a corner.
The ball fell into the path of an onrushing Giorgos Giakoumakis to bury the opportunity.
The All Whites created few opportunities of their own while penalty shouts to Chris Wood and Callum McCowatt were ignored by the referee.
The team now heads to Dublin for their final match of 2023 on Wednesday morning against the Republic of Ireland.
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