The All Whites have gone down 4-0 in their World Cup warm-up match against Haiti in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
A goal from Ruben Providence in the 12th minute put the Caribbean side up early before three well taken second half goals sealed the win for Haiti in the first contest between the two nations.
The sides were close on the world rankings going into the match, with the All Whites ranked 85th, and Haiti at 83.
The start of the match was delayed due to adverse weather conditions with lightning reported in the area, but it eventually got underway at 8:35pm local time.
The first real chance came in the 12th minute of the match, when a pass found Haitian striker Providence’s feet inside the box. He was able to turn, take it around Finn Surman and cleverly lift the ball over Alex Paulsen into the far corner to give them an early lead.
Tim Payne appealed for a penalty soon after the goal, as he felt he was collected by Haitian goalkeeper Johny Placide after he got the first touch around him, but it was waved away by the referee.
The All Whites troubled the Haitian defence from set pieces, earning seven corners in the opening 45 minutes. Chris Wood managed to orchestrate a bicycle kick attempt on goal from one of them, but it was well dealt with by Placide.
Wood moved to the top of the All Whites' all-time leading appearances list, earning his 89th international cap today, taking him ahead of Ivan Vicelich.
Decent chances fell for Jesse Randall as he fired some shots from the edge of the box over the bar, and Marko Stamenic was able to force a save from Placide with a powerful header, which was tipped over the bar.
Darren Bazeley made five half-time changes at the break, giving minutes to a variety of players ahead of the World Cup.
However, the changes didn’t help the All Whites as Haiti managed to double their lead shortly after the break. A ball in behind the All Whites' defence found debutant Lenny Joseph, who took the ball in his stride and produced a tidy finish past Max Crocombe into the bottom left corner.
They snatched a third not long after as Frantz Pierrot was found unmarked in the box to head the ball past Crocombe from close range.
The All Whites couldn’t work too many chances after the goals as Haiti continued to push on for more in front of their fans, who turned out in large force in Florida.
Haiti capped off the performance with a wonderful strike from Marcos Lacroix - also left unmarked by the Kiwi defence - as he whipped the ball with power and pace past Crocombe into the bottom right corner.
The All Whites' last match before the World Cup is against European heavyweights England in Tampa Bay on Sunday morning, kick off 8am NZT.
All Whites 0 Haiti 4 (Providence 12’, Joseph 51’ Pierrot 62’, Lacroix 87') HT 1-0
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