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Source: Reuters -
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New Zealand opened their under-17 men's World Cup soccer
campaign with a battling 1-1 draw against Costa Rica in Nigeria on
Monday.
Winger Michael Built gave the Young All Whites the lead in the 19th
minute in Enugu with a goal from short range but they could not
protect their advantage.
First-half pressure from Costa Rica and oppressive humidity caught
up with New Zealand when a defensive lapse allowed Joel Campbell to
equalise in the 35th minute.
After a bright start in 30 degree heat and 90% humidity, New
Zealand sat on their lead, allowing Costa Rica to enjoy more
possession.
A mix up between defenders Adam Thomas and Gordon Murie, who
literally tripped over themselves, then saw Campbell slide the ball
past goalkeeper Coey Turipa to level the scores 10min before
halftime.
The draw, New Zealand's first after a solitary win and eight losses
in three previous under-17 World Cup campaigns, leaves coach Steve
Cain's team two points behind Turkey, who lead group D after a 1-0
win over Burkina Faso.
"I've been told it's the second best result for a New Zealand team
at an under-17 World Cup but to be honest we're a little
disappointed because we've set our stall out to score goals and not
concede," Cain said.
"I think we did very well but all in all we should've been good
enough to keep the lead and we're very disappointed that we
didn't.
The Young All Whites play Burkina Faso on Thursday (NZT) then
Turkey on Sunday as they strive to become the first New Zealand
team to reach the second round of a Fifa tournament.
"The Burkina Faso game is a huge one for both of us as they've got
zero points and we've got one," Cain said.
"With an afternoon kickoff, the heat and humidity will be even
tougher and playing an African team in Africa will always be
difficult."
Elsewhere on Monday, Iran shot to the top of group C with a 2-0 win
over Gambia in Calabar while Colombia are second after a 2-1 win
over the Netherlands.
The top two in each of six four-team groups are joined in the
second round by the four best third-placed teams.
