All Whites pay for lacklustre spell in heavy loss to Sweden

Joe Bell of New Zealand and Gabriel Gudmundsson of Sweden contest possession during their international friendly in Stockholm.
Photo: Photosport

The All Whites have paid dearly for a lacklustre period late in the first half after going down 4-1 to Sweden in their international friendly in Stockholm.

New Zealand led for much of the first half after a slick goal to Callum McCowatt in the eighth minute.

Danish-based winger McCowatt was put through on goal by Matthew Garbett and finished neatly to provide hopes of an upset against the world’s 22nd ranked side, who fielded many of their best players to keep them fresh for a European Championship qualifying campaign.

The Swedes gradually took control and the dam burst during a five-minute period before halftime when New Zealand’s defence was caught out of shape against some quality counter-attacks.

Jesper Karlsson provided the equaliser and had has second soon afterwards, but not before Robin Quaison had given the home side the lead.

The All Whites rediscovered their composure after the interval and created chances to McCowatt and substitute Max Mata – before Sweden found a fourth goal in stoppage time, to Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga.

New Zealand’s second game of their European tour is against Qatar in Vienna on Tuesday morning.

– RNZ