Both teams were looking for their first ever win in the tournament and New Zealand coach Chris Milicich named a strong starting line-up, looking to repeat New Zealand’s last victory against Uzbekistan, where they ran out 4-1 winners in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico in 2011.
It was Uzbekistan who started the brightest and fired an early warning to the Kiwis when they put the ball in the net in the fourth minute with only a handball saving New Zealand.
It was an unfortunate error by Oxford United-based goalkeeper Max Crocombe in the 14th minute that led to the first goal for Uzbekistan. The keeper mis-kicked the clearance hitting it straight to Uzbekistan forward Igor Sergeev. His shot was well saved but Abbosbek Makhstaliev was on hand to tap in the rebound.
It wasn’t the start the Junior All Whites were looking for and Uzbekistan took confidence from the goal, dominating the ball and carving out several chances. They almost grabbed a second goal just before half-time when a long ball over the top found Sergeev whose instinctive volley came back off the post.
Crocombe was to redeem himself for the opening goal seconds later with two great saves to keep the Junior All Whites in the game going into the break.
However, just eight minutes into the second period and Uzbekistan had doubled their lead. Makhstaliev and Sergeev were a constant threat to the New Zealand back line and it was the same pair that combined again for the second goal. Makhstaliev clipped a great ball past the defence for Sergeev to run onto and drill the ball in at the near post.
Uzbekistan added a third moments later after a shot from Turapov was deflected off Payne to loop over Crocombe.
New Zealand’s next game is against Uruguay on 26 June with their final group game against Croatia on 29 June.
FIFA U-20 World Cup
Ataturk Stadium, Bursa
New Zealand 0
Uzbekistan 3 (Abbosbek Makhstaliev 14’, Igor Sergeev 53’, Diyorjon Turapov 67’)
Story courtesy of New Zealand Football
For more on New Zealand Football visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

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