Auckland Metropolis could also be leaving the 2025 FIFA Membership World Cup, however they achieve this with satisfaction after incomes a spirited 1-1 draw towards Argentine giants Boca Juniors — ending their eight-match dropping streak within the competitors.
Realizing they wanted a miracle seven-goal margin to progress, Boca got here out with urgency. However regardless of their dominance within the opening half, the South American aspect struggled to transform possession into targets towards a resolute Auckland defence.
Boca lastly discovered a breakthrough halfway by way of the primary half in lucky vogue, as Lautaro Di Lollo’s header rebounded off the submit and ricocheted off goalkeeper Nathan Garrow into the online. They got here near extending their lead earlier than the break, hitting the woodwork twice by way of Carlos Palacios and Miguel Merentiel.
However Auckland Metropolis, made up principally of beginner gamers, refused to again down. The second half introduced a second that may dwell lengthy of their historical past. A easy nook from Jerson Esteban Lagos Giraldo was met powerfully by Christian Grey — a pupil instructor by day — whose header flew previous the goalkeeper to degree the scores and ship the Kiwi bench into wild celebrations.
A prolonged climate delay added extra drama, and Boca thought they’d regained the lead by way of Merentiel, just for his strike to be dominated out as a result of a handball within the buildup.
With Benfica having already eradicated Boca from knockout rivalry, the Argentines lacked urgency within the closing levels, and Garrow made key saves to protect the consequence.
Although Auckland Metropolis end backside of the group, they exit the event with a hard-earned level and loads of satisfaction. Their gamers, a lot of whom will return to common day jobs, can maintain their heads excessive after a brave exhibiting on the world stage.
In distinction, Boca Juniors depart the competitors dissatisfied, winless of their final seven matches within the event and properly wanting expectations.
