Christian Gray has given Auckland City FC a moment to savour at the FIFA Club World Cup, scoring a second half header to secure a remarkable 1-1 draw against South American giants Boca Juniors in Nashville.

Paul Posa’s Oceania champions turned in their best performance of the tournament against the Argentines, defending resolutely throughout the match, which was halted 10 minutes into the second half due to the threat of thunderstorms and lightning.

Gray is likely to become the subject of pub quiz questions in years to come. The 28-year-old centre back who is training to become a school teacher, rose to deliver a powerful header following a corner from Jason Lagos in the 52nd minute to level the scores against the six times Copa Libertadores champions.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JUNE 24: Christian Gray #4 of Auckland City FC celebrates with Myer Bevan #7 and Adam Mitchell #3 after scoring his team’s first goal on a header past Agustin Marchesin #25 of CA Boca Juniors during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group C match between Auckland City FC and CA Boca Juniors at GEODIS Park on June 24, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Boca Juniors went into the match needing a big win to have any chance of qualifying for the round of 16, but were repeatedly frustrated by a well marshalled Auckland defence and young Nathan Garrow in goal.

And when the Argentines did break through, it was rather fortunate, with a shot rebounding off Garrow into the back of his net in the 26th minute. Auckland lived dangerously at times but while Boca had plenty of shots, very few were on target in the remainder of the first half.

Shortly after Gray’s stunning equaliser the players left the field for about 45 minutes while the weather system passed. Soon after the restart Boca thought they had restored their lead but VAR spotted a handball in the buildup and the goal was scrubbed out. Auckland City FC unlike against Benfica when they conceded five second half goals, kept their shape and structures admirably and while Garrow again poerformed some goalkeeping heroics, the only amateur side at the tournament, fully deserved to walk away with a point from the match.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JUNE 24: Christian Gray #4 of Auckland City FC (not pictured) scores his team’s first goal on a header past Agustin Marchesin #25 of CA Boca Juniors during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group C match between Auckland City FC and CA Boca Juniors at GEODIS Park on June 24, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

The Navy Blues head home with their heads held high. Drawn in Group C against three powerhouse sides, Auckland City recovered from the 10-0 drubbing by Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, held Portuguese giants Benfica to 1-0 at half-time, eventually losing 6-0, before proving resilient against a Boca Juniors side who fielded the likes of Edinson Cavani and Kevin Zenón.

Benfica top Group C following their 1-0 win over Bayern Munich with the Bundesliga champions advancing to the knockout rounds as Group runners up.

Auckland City FC 1 (Christian GRAY 52’)

Boca Juniors 1 (Lautaro DI LOLLO 26’)

HT 0-1

Photo Credits FIFA via Getty Images