Uruguay are a member of the South American confederation and booked their tickets to the World Cup after finishing fourth at the CONMEBOL U-20 Championship in Mexico earlier this year. As both side’s gear up for their second match at the tournament New Zealand goalkeeper Scott Basalaj reveals that Uruguay remain a strong opponent.
‘’I think a big match for us is Uruguay. They are quite big and physical and they have a lot of professional players in their team,’’ Basalaj said.
Basalaj knows the potential of the South Americans having previously encountered them at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Columbia 2011 where New Zealand and Uruguay shared the point with a 1-1 draw. The Wellingtonian was the number one goalkeeper at the time and helped make history when New Zealand qualified for the round of 16 for the second time in-a-row in this age category. Basalaj and his teammates are now hoping to write another page into New Zealand footballing history in Turkey.
‘’Obviously we come in as a big underdog but I think we have got a very good squad that’s been picked so hopefully we can get out of the group and make a bit of history.’’
The 19-year-old rising talent is starting to stamp his footprints at the highest level despite his young age. Currently vying for the starting spot in Chris Milicich’s squad, Basalaj is using the competition with Max Crocombe and Daniel Clarke as motivation to work harder and earn his place.
‘’I’m not certain to be playing in Turkey so I want to give myself the best opportunity to get on the field and hopefully my past performances will give me a bit of help towards that,’’ he said ahead of the tournament.
As for the competition between him and his fellow keepers, it’s something Basalaj relishes.
‘’We are fighting for a start position so at every training we‘ll be giving it our all to bring out the best in each other and we’ll have confidence in whoever is playing. So as long as we keep pushing each other and keep going then it is good.’’
A member of the Wellington Phoenix School of Excellence and the ASB Premiership franchise Team Wellington, Basalaj had his first senior international experience with the New Zealand ‘A’ against Jordan in a friendly. Despite the 1-0 loss, he kept a clean sheet during his time on the field and he says it was god experience as he looks to carve out a future at the top of the game.
‘’It was good just to get on the pitch and get some top international experience. It was good to come away without conceding a goal.’’
The Junior All Whites will face Uruguay on Wednesday, 26 June at 6pm, local time.
For more on New Zealand Football visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

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