The New Zealand women's football team has been beaten 1-nil by Canada in the final of the Cyprus Cup tournament in Nicosia.
The Football Ferns held the 12th ranked Canadians for three-quarters of the match before conceding a goal midway through the second half.
The New Zealanders beat Italy and Scotland and drew with the Netherlands on their way to the final.
The second place finish represents an improvement from last year's top four effort where the Ferns upset the Netherlands and drew with Canada before losing to France on penalties in a playoff for third.
Coach John Herdman says the tournament has been a wonderful experience and a massive step forward in consistency and composure.
The Cyprus Cup is seen as ideal preparation for New Zealand's FIFA Women's World Cup campaign, which begins with Oceania qualifying in Auckland in September.
