New Zealand have been knocked out of the Women's World Cup, exiting their home tournament after failing to find a breakthrough goal against Switzerland.
The Swiss held the desperate Football Ferns at bay in a 0-0 draw in Dunedin on Sunday night which means they progress to the last 16 as Group A winners.
New Zealand exit on goal difference, with Norway belting Alen Stajcic's Philippines side 6-0 to finish second.
Jacqui Hand's first-half volley which struck the post was as close as it got for the Kiwis, who weren't expected to challenge for the knockout rounds.
Instead, Ali Riley's side inspired the rugby-mad nation with a 1-0 opening night defeat of Norway and battled higher credentialed opponents right to the wire.
"We gave everything," a clearly emotional Riley said.
"There's a lot of tears out there but they should be so proud.
"We said, 'leave everything on the field. Make this country proud. Show who we are.' And I think we did that."
Despite a shot count of 12-3 in favour of New Zealand, the Swiss proved impossible to break down for a third-straight game, and reach the last 16 without conceding.
The group dynamics meant the Football Ferns might have qualified with a draw, but as the Scandinavians began their rout, it became clear only a win would do for New Zealand.
Coach Jitka Klimkova started veteran Annalie Longo and Olivia Chance, who impressed off the bench in their 1-0 loss to the Philippines, and the pair played their part in a bright first 45.
New Zealand shaded the half, bringing energy and fizz to their attacking efforts but without reward.
Hand went closest in the 23rd minute, attempting an audacious volley from a tight angle which ricocheted off the post.
The show-stopping effort was the second time in as many games the 24-year-old hit the woodwork, after her now-infamous disallowed goal against the Philippines.
Klimkova rang the changes, throwing on forwards Indiah-Paige Riley, Grace Jale and Gabi Rennie over the second half in search of the breakthrough.
Superb midfielder Malia Steinmetz sent a volley into the arms of a grateful Gaelle Thalmann in the Swiss goal, and substitute Claudia Bunge did the same with a long-range header.
As the Kiwis became increasingly frantic, goakeeper Vic Esson was sent forward for late set pieces and even put a header wide in the fifth minute of injury time.
Time ran out on the Kiwi challenge, and the tears began to flow in Dunedin: both from the devastated Ferns and the delirious Swiss.
Klimkova, also battling emotions as she came to terms with the exit, was at least able to recall the tournament opener against Norway.
"Nobody will forget our first win," she said.
"Three players had to wait five World Cups to get (a match win) and we've done it."
Switzerland and Norway will face either Japan or Spain in the last 16, with a Group C showdown on Monday to determine the match-ups.
