Their defeat against Japan showed this promising All Whites team could excel with time together, but time will be at an absolute premium for the remainder of 2014.
After recovering from a stunning 17-minute salvo which brought the hosts four goals in Tokyo, the New Zealand squad showed they were brimming with talent but undermined by inexperience as a group.
The final 4-2 result was respectable enough, especially considering the All Whites could have scored more, but a lack of cohesion against such quality opposition meant respectability was probably the best possible outcome.
The only way to change that is for the team to play meaningful games on a regular basis, something that would help mould youthful individuals into a team who can play with familiarity.
But the international calendar is bare - aside from the small matter of the World Cup - and the All Whites probably won't play together again until at least September.
By that stage the group may have a new leader, with a decision on Ricki Herbert's replacement due after a full review of the failed World Cup qualifying campaign. Interim coach Neil Emblen has hinted he would like to remain in the set-up but, whoever takes the top job, Emblen's introduction of youth must be persisted with.
The squad to face Japan featured eight players under the age of 25 and three teenagers, debutants Ryan Thomas and Tyler Boyd doing a decent job in the front third alongside goalscorer Chris Wood.
Meanwhile, the Football Ferns relied on a late equaliser to secure a 1-1 draw with Ireland in the opening match of the Cyprus Cup, with Hannah Wilkinson sparing the 16th-ranked side's blushes.
Coach Tony Readings was happy with his team's performance but disappointed with the result, and he will hope to improve the latter when his side faces Switzerland on Saturday morning (NZT).
- By Kris Shannon of APNZ
