New Zealand reacts to World Cup loss: 'You've done us proud'

The front-page headline of New Zealand's largest newspaper reads "You've done us proud," and that seems to sum up the nation's mood after the Black Caps thrilled and inspired during eight straight World Cup victories before losing to Australia in the final.
The New Zealand Herald today dedicated its first five pages exclusively to cricket coverage, including some advice on how to cope with losing.
Yet the loss didn't have the same sting for New Zealanders as previous losses in its favored sport of rugby. When current world champions the All Blacks have lost in previous rugby World Cup campaigns, it has elicited a kind of collective national mourning.

But the cricket team's runaway success this year came as a pleasant surprise to fans who have suffered through decades of inconsistent and disappointing results. A few months ago, few people anywhere would have picked the Black Caps to be contesting the final.
Still, losing to Australia in any kind of sporting event is tough for Kiwis to take. New Zealanders have an acute sense of rivalry when it comes to their larger neighbors, and a victory against Australia at its hallowed Melbourne Cricket Ground would have been particularly sweet.
"Unfortunately, not the result the country was hoping for, but the Black Caps have still made us all incredibly proud over the past six weeks," tweeted New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, who attended the game.

Before getting soundly beaten by seven wickets in the final, the New Zealand team had pulled off two of the most exciting wins in the tournament, squeaking past Australia in pool play and South Africa in the semifinals, finishing both games with thrilling sixes.
New Zealand co-hosted the tournament, and its victories came in front of delirious home crowds. Schools across the country embarked on cricket-related projects, with some allowing students to watch the games live on school television sets.