The Football Ferns are rueing the chance to open New Zealand's Olympic campaign with a win after the 2-2 draw with Japan in Qinhuangdao last night.
The women's football team led Japan, the world number 10, by 2 goals right up to the 72nd minute.
But Japan scored twice from there, securing the draw from a free kick with four minutes of regular time left.
Ferns coach John Herdman says the inability to see out the win came down to experience.
Herdman says the team froze in the last 20 minutes and they need to be more confident and mentally stronger when they're ahead.
