FIFA Club World Cup: Amateurs Auckland City Hold Boca Juniors To 1-1 Draw

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Last Updated:June 25, 2025, 10:47 IST

Auckland goalkeeper Nathan Garrow's own goal left them trailing 0-1 but Christian Gray equalised with a header in the second half.

Auckland City celebrate after the match. (AP Photo)

Amateur team Auckland City achieved the greatest result in their history with a 1-1 draw against Boca Juniors at the Club World Cup on Tuesday.

The already-eliminated New Zealanders held off the Argentine powerhouses, who hoped to advance with a win, although Benfica’s victory over Bayern Munich in the other Group C match meant Boca would have been eliminated regardless.

Auckland goalkeeper Nathan Garrow’s own goal gave Boca the lead, but Christian Gray equalised with a header in the second half, earning his team a remarkable point.

Following a weather delay, Boca continued to press and accumulated 40 shots but couldn’t get past Garrow, who redeemed his first-half error with several impressive saves.

Auckland, who suffered a 10-0 defeat against Bayern in their first game and a 6-0 loss to Benfica in the second, defended with five at the back, which proved effective.

“It’s been a tough trip, we’ve had some tough results but I’m just happy for the team and the boys, I think we deserve it, we got a little bit of respect back I hope," Auckland goalscorer Gray told DAZN.

“We rely on volunteers, we don’t have a lot of money, so I’m just happy that (everyone) is happy… It’s been a long four years to be honest, building up to this… (I’m) a little bit lost for words."

As amateurs, Auckland City players have regular jobs, with Gray working as a teacher.

“I’ve got a few assignments that have piled up over the last month, so that’s what I’ll be going back to, and the school holidays thankfully," he added.

Boca controlled the game but were slow in their build-up and struggled to break down the New Zealanders’ defense, with 38-year-old veteran striker Edinson Cavani kept quiet.

The minnows had the first chance of the game, with Regont Murati forcing a save from Agustin Marchesin from the edge of the box.

Boca took the lead after 26 minutes when Lautaro Di Lollo’s header from a corner hit the post and was palmed into his own net by Garrow.

Boca twice came close to doubling their lead before the break, with Carlos Palacios striking the crossbar from distance, and Miguel Merentiel’s header hitting the woodwork.

Auckland, the only amateur side in the competition, scored their first goal of the tournament to level the match after 52 minutes.

Defender Gray shook off his marker and headed home from Jerson Lagos’ corner.

The game was then suspended due to a weather warning, the fifth of the tournament, and resumed around 50 minutes later.

Boca fans, some of the most fervent at the tournament, refused to head inside despite repeated requests from the stadium announcer, choosing to chant in the stands during the storm delay.

By the time the match restarted, with no rain having fallen at Geodis Park, Benfica had beaten Bayern, leaving Boca no chance of advancing to the knockout rounds.

Merentiel quickly struck for Boca but the goal was disallowed for a handball in the build-up.

Garrow made a fine save from Malcom Braida’s dipping header as Auckland clung on for a point against one of the giants of world football.

The goalkeeper pulled off another good stop from Kevin Zanon’s curling effort from range as the clock ran down.

Boca fired in numerous shots in a desperate attempt to avoid an embarrassing draw, but Garrow saved Palacios’ drive, and the New Zealanders celebrated wildly when the final whistle blew.

With AFP Inputs

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