NZ outclassed but moves on
AUCKLAND: The Junior All Whites are through to the knockout stages at the Fifa Under20 World Cup, despite being thrashed 50 by host nation Argentina on Saturday.
Darren Bazeley’s team was outclassed, the South Americans managing a staggering 30 attempts on goal without a single shot in reply.
That outcome means New Zealand finishes third in group A, after Uzbekistan disposed of Guatemala 20 in the other match.
The Junior All Whites progressed as one of the highestranked thirdplaced teams after Colombia drew 11 with Senegal yesterday, and the young Kiwis will play either the United States on Wednesday or Colombia on Thursday.
Argentina was red hot, irresistible once it got into the flow, while New Zealand looked a notch down, after physical efforts against Guatemala and Uzbekistan.
The Junior All Whites made a reasonable start, but once the home side clicked into gear after 10 minutes could barely get a foothold.
Argentina registered a remarkable 866 passes, 94% completed, compared with New Zealand’s 278, while the corner count was 110.
Bazeley admitted it was a “great learning curve”, while midfielder Finn Conchie gave an honest assessment.
“They were a bit of a different class,” Conchie told Fifa TV. “Credit to them, they are amazing players.”
New Zealand never looked comfortable but the first goal was still a poor concession.
The Junior All Whites switched off after a short corner routine, allowing striker Maestro Puch a free header.
Goalkeeper Kees Sims, who was otherwise outstanding, was caught out of position, as the cross drifted way over his head, then noone tracked the run of Puch.
It got worse just three minutes later, Argentina capitalising on a quick transition. After defender Jackson Jarvie lost possession, Gino Infantino produced a ruthless finish.
New Zealand was understandably shellshocked, as the already fanatical crowd went to another level.
Luka Romero scored the goal of the game on 35 minutes. He twisted away from two opponents near halfway, then lashed home from 25m, a brutal dipping shot into the top corner, as defenders hung off.
The next came when, after a VAR check, the Qatari referee found a deliberate hand ball by defender Aaryan Raj.
It looked a harsh call, given the ball cannoned into him from close range. Winger Brian Aguirre converted with aplomb.
New Zealand’s effort never stopped, but it was mostly restricted to blind alleys, although substitute Herdman added some quality.
Striker Alejo Veliz completed the rout with a bullet header, after another brilliant cross. —