New Zealand put on a brave performance to keep the score locked at 0-0 for much of the game. Despite maintaining the majority of the possession Brazil couldn’t break through New Zealand’s resilient defence, who were quick to shut down any attack.
The game wasn’t decided until the 90+6th minute when a tackle by James McGarry on Brazil’s Luis Henrique in the penalty area saw the South Americans awarded a penalty.
Henrique then stepped up to convert, slotting the ball low and left just beyond goalkeeper Michael Woud’s outstretched glove.
The goal proved to be the final play in the game, the win sending Brazil through to the quarter finals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Earlier, New Zealand rued a missed opportunity to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty in the 65th minute after Lucas Imrie was taken down in the penalty area by Kleber. McGarry stepped up to take the spot kick, but sent his shot high over the bar.
The two penalties were the only real chances on goal by either side during the match. In the first half Brazil were limited to three shots on goal, with Woud pulling off clinical saves to keep his side in the game.
While New Zealand were unable to get a shot on goal in the first 45 minutes, there was a contentious moment at the 30-minute mark when Connor Probert was taken down in the penalty area. Despite appeals from the New Zealand team, a penalty wasn’t awarded.
The second half saw more action in front of goal for both teams, with Woud called on to make a number of saves including a close range shot at his near post in the 62nd minute.
New Zealand had a number of corners in succession right on the 90th minute, each landing tantalisingly close to the goal mouth, but Brazil kept calm in defence before dealing the final blow in the 90+6th minute.
FIFA U-17 World Cup 2015 – Round of 16
Thursday 29 October
Estadio Sausalito
Vina del Mar, Chile
New Zealand 0-1 Brazil (half: 0-0)
NZL: –
BRA: Luis Henrique 90+6’ (pen)
New Zealand: 1. Michael Woud (GK), 2. Jack-Henry Sinclair (capt), 6. Ben Mata, 8. Dane Schnell, 9. Connor Probert, 10. Logan Rogerson, 11. James McGarry, 13. Joe Bell, 14. Owen Parker-Price (7. Sarpreet Singh 41’), 15. Luke Johnson, 20. Lucas Imrie
Substitutes not used: 3. Liam Jones, 4. Oliver Ceci, 5. Liam Williams, 12. Reuben Clark (GK), 17. Callum McCowatt, 18. Ahmad Mohammadi, 19. Sean Skeens, 21. Christian Woodbridge (GK)
Coach: Danny Hay
Story courtesy of New Zealand Football

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