Soccer-New Zealand Women 'not good enough' in loss to Portugal, says Klimkova

Jan 21, 2023; Auckland, NZL; New Zealand women's soccer coach Jitka Klimkova before the International Friendly between New Zealand and USA held at Eden Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Phibbs-USA TODAY Sports/

(Reuters) - New Zealand Women head coach Jitka Klimkova was disappointed with her team's performance in Friday's 5-0 friendly defeat to Portugal, saying they were "not good enough".

New Zealand, co-hosts of this year's Women's World Cup along with neighbour Australia, struggled against Portugal, who will compete in the final qualifying playoffs next week for one of the three remaining spots at the July 20-Aug. 20 tournament.