Football: All Whites fall to Japan in Kirin Cup final

All Whites coach Darren Bazeley has lauded a gutsy defensive display in a 2-1 loss to Japan in Tokyo but regrets they couldn't take the Kirin Cup final to penalties.New Zealand spent much of the match defending their penalty box, although they produced one of the game's highlights when Ben Old levelled the score before halftime through a fine counter-attacking goal.Fielding an uncharacteristic back five formation, the 86th-ranked All Whites were set up to absorb waves of attack from the skilful 17th-ranked hosts, who were playing in front of 67,000 supporters at the Japan National Stadium.New Zealand players head into the field for the Kirin Cup final against Japan.PhotosportIt was a different approach for Bazeley's team, who had adopted a more attacking approach earlier in the extended window in Asia - resulting in a 2-2 draw against Palestine and wins over China (3-0) and Panama - the latter via a penalty shootout after the scores were locked 1-1.The coach thought his team could push for penalties in the final but his hopes were dashed when winger Ritsu Doan struck a 71st minute winner."It's disappointing but I thought it was a good game," Bazeley told journalists."We changed the way we played a little bit, and changed our shape to try to combat some of Japan's strengths and I thought we frustrated them for a long time.New Zealand’s Lachlan Bayliss in action against Japan.Photosport"We were a compact, connected defensive unit. We didn't let them get behind us very often and didn't let them play through us."I think it was a little bit frustrating for Japan, they had a lot of possession."Lille striker Ayase Ueda put Japan ahead with a goal in the 28th minute, beating goalkeeper Alex Paulsen, who had an exceptional game in the New Zealand net, making nine saves.Another French-based player found the net three minutes later, when Old capitalised on some brilliant work from New Zealand skipper Chris Wood.Nottingham Forest striker Wood dribbled clear on the break and held up the ball before laying off to Old, who struck sweetly from the edge of the box with his less-favoured right foot.[picture id="4JH7WRD_261005_KirinCupFinal_063_JPG" crop="16x10" layout="full"]Photosport"We looked like a threat on the counter-attack - scored a lovely goal on the counter," Bazeley said."I'm really proud of the players, they worked so hard."You have to look at where we're at. We're a developing, growing team. It's very hard for us to compete for 90 minutes and be at our best every moment of the game against the very good team that Japan has."But when you're drawing with a team like Japan, with 20 minutes to go, and it's a cup final with penalties, it's disappointing to lose the game."The All Whites next play India in two home matches in Auckland (12 November) and Christchurch (15 November).