Coach of the New Zealand U-17 female side, Leon Bernie says he is proud of his side despite losing to the Black Maidens of Ghana.
Ghana beat New Zealand 2-0 to finish top of the group, thanks to goals from Abdulai Mukarama.
Despite the defeat, Leon Bernie was full of praise for the Black Maidens.
"I think it was just a typical Kiwi performance you know the girls were out there and they gave it everything they had," said Birnie.
"It was always going to be challenging, Ghana is a very good side and they're very athletic. Playing them in the heat that we got today, it's going to be challenging.
"But what was good for the team and what I saw was when the final whistle had gone, they had given everything they had and that is all you could ask for as a coach."
New Zealand will now face Japan in the quarter finals, with Ghana set to face Mexico after finishing on top of their pool.
"Both nations are tough, but probably (rather play) Mexico if I'm honest, Japan at U17 World Cup level have won 15 in a row so it shows the class of that side," said Birnie.
"But the good thing for us is, the mood in the camp and the positivity in the camp is really good.
"And I think when we go into that game I know the players will give everything they have got and we’ve just got to hope that is enough on the day."
The Football Ferns U17 will face Japan on Sunday.