Mate, New Zealand not getting to the final is like Brazil not getting to the final.
Difference is, in Brazil it’s a cause of national shame.
For young people, grass roots it’s different.....it’s all about the joy of playing.
But adult competitive sport, never mind at the highest level, is all about winning.
Proper players of any sport just should not accept (imho) 2nd or 3rd or “well done for having a go lads” or any of that shit.....your names go’s on the cup or it don’t.
Not winning even a league game should be crushing for any proper player and if it isn’t then they