New Zealand Under 20 football coach Des Buckingham is glowing with pride following their exit from the world cup in Poland

New Zealand's lost in heartbreaking fashion, falling to Colombia in a penalty shootout in their round of 16 knockout match.

Buckingham says despite the result, he's proud of what this group of young men have shown the world.

He says it's a cruel way to exit the tournament, but for all the players to represent the country how they have he's very proud.