Auckland’s Westlake Boys’ High School needs a win against Saudi Arabia to secure second place in their group at the Secondary Schools World Cup tournament in China.
The Aucklanders, who are representing New Zealand at the International School Sports Federation (ISF) Football World Cup in Dalian, China, have beaten Uganda and Hungary in their group so far but will need to beat Saudi Arabia to improve their position in the group.
Main photo: The Westlake Boys’ High team.
The New Zealand team went into the tournament unseeded and were drawn into a five-team pool with Uganda, Hungary, England and Saudi Arabia.
If New Zealand beats Saudi Arabia after three intense matches over three days, they will progress to a playoff for the top 9th to 16th places in the 36-team tournament.
The tournament format does not include a round of 16, with only one team from each of the eight groups progressing to the quarterfinals.
Regardless of future results, the New Zealanders have earned huge respect for their performances in pool play so far, winning six of a possible nine points, enjoying a goal difference of +4 and representing their country with true pride in the face of adversity, travel and fatigue.
result
Match played on Sunday, May 19, 2024
New Zealand 6 (Carlos Takayama 3, Jack Young, Troy Patt 2, including penalties)
Uganda 3
The first game was a big challenge against a fast, athletic and aggressive Uganda side with plenty of one-on-one players.
The match started slowly but New Zealand looked nervous early on as they trailed 1-0.
However, the boys showed incredible tenacity and regained a 3-1 lead by half-time.
Carlos Takayama scored a great header from a set piece to make it 1-1.
Captain Jack Young scored from a corner kick three minutes later, giving the Kiwis the lead they never relinquished.
Takayama rounded the goalkeeper and scored a beautiful one-on-one shot to cap off a stunning first-half comeback at 3-1.
In the second half, Uganda went on the offensive and things got tough.
Troy Putt extended the lead to 4-1 before Uganda hit back with a brilliant 40-metre free kick to make it 4-2.
New Zealand raced back and Troy Putt converted a penalty to make it 5-2 after being brought down in the box. Carlos Takayama then scored a hat-trick with a superb finish, making the final result 6-3 for New Zealand.
result
The match took place on Monday 20th May 2024
New Zealand 2 (Nikola Stojchev, Troy Patpen)
England 3
The second day was a huge challenge as we faced England, the favorites to win the group.
The scoreline doesn’t tell the story of a hard-fought game.
New Zealand took the game to England, applying intense pressure and trying to unsettle the English players, often forcing them to play long periods with sheer energy and enthusiasm.
After finding themselves 1-0 down after a slick throw-in routine, the Kiwis showed incredible resilience, fight and spirit to make it 1-1 through Nikola Stojcev’s goal from outside the area.
England took the lead again with a lucky goal that lobbed keeper James Lee and bounced off the post.
Shortly afterwards, Jack Young was brought down in the penalty area and Troy Putt converted the penalty to make it 2-2 with 20 minutes remaining.
New Zealand applied pressure aggressively, repeatedly blocking England’s attacks and continuing to chase victory.
With just three minutes remaining and an upset draw expected, England beat a valiant New Zealand side with a stunning goal, volleyed into the top corner from 25 metres out.
Although the score points to an England victory, New Zealand have shown they are capable of competing with the best opposition on the world stage.
result
The match took place on Tuesday, May 21, 2024
New Zealand 3 (Carlos Takayama 2nd, Troy Putt)
Hungary 1
The third match was a very tough battle against a physical Hungarian opponent.
Determined to bounce back from the disappointment of day two, the Kiwis pressed energetically again and put in a fine performance to match up against stronger opposition.
Carlos Takayama scored the first goal from a corner kick after Jack Young’s chip hit the far post, Takayama’s header into the bottom corner of the goal.
Immediately after, Troy Patt made a spectacular scissor kick from a long throw-in to make it 2-0, and then Takayama completed a double with a tap-in from a fierce attack from the right side.
An unfortunate own goal put Hungary back in the match with 25 minutes to go, but the New Zealand boys managed to take control of the game and secure a comfortable 3-1 victory.
Group E Standings
New Zealand representative
Kai Barrett
Finn Carpenter
Bill Cui (GK)
Cam Deamer
Mikey Gambisis
Levi Hill
Ray Ishihara
Damion Kim
Jayden Kim
James Lee (GK)
conal mclean
carter mckenzie
Troy Patt (Vice Captain)
Matthew Rodriguez
Nikola Stojchev
Hamish Strong
Carlos Takayama
charlie taylor
Jack Young (Captain)
Head Coach: Dave Wright
Assistant Coach: Nick Dale
Assistant Coach: Simon Tindell
Manager: Logan Douglas
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