New Zealand national team coach Ricki Herbert was remaining positive despite last night's 2-0 loss to Paraguay.
The All Whites were rocked by two first-half goals in quick succession by the South Americans but continued to attack in attempt to get back into the match which pleased Herbert.
"If it's creating chances, then I think it was great for us," Herbert said.
"But putting it in the back of the net wasn't. (Paraguay) were always going to be tough with players missing but again there were opportunities and for a small period there, I think 10 minutes, we let ourselves down.
"But I thought periods of the second half were probably as good as what we've played for a while."
Herbert knows the absence of captain Ryan Nelsen in particular and striker Shane Smeltz affected the team but admitted it was a good lesson for those who did play.
"You're taking a big slice out but we've played without Ryan before and played well," he added.
"We can't rely on one player and I think it was a good learning curve for them tonight, just to throw them in there against a side who's always going to be at you, and quick and technically good."