by The amateur side of Auckland City achieved the biggest result in the history of the team 1-1 against Boca Juniors on Tuesday at the World Cup.
The already eliminated New Zealanders fought against the Argentine power plants, who came into the games with the hope of getting ahead when they won, even though Benfica Bayern Munich defeated in the other game of Group C, Boca would have been replaced anyway.
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Auckland goalkeeper Nathan Garrow’s own goal sent Boca in the lead, but Christian Gray equalized in the second half with a header to earn his team a remarkable point.
After a weather delay, Boca continued and collected 40 shots, but was unable to find a way past Garrow, who was an incredible misfortune with several good parades in the first half.
Auckland, who were 6-0 in their first game 10: 0 by the German Giants Bavaria and in the second with 6-0, sat up to defend with five on the back.
Boca checked the game, but was slowly in her structure and tried to destroy the back of the New Zealanders, and the 38-year-old experienced striker Edinson Cavani waved.
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The Minnows had the first chance of the game, and Regont Murati forced Agustin Marchesin from the edge of the box.
Boca took the lead after 26 minutes when Lautaro Di Lolo’s header hit the post from a corner and grabbed his own network from Garrow.
Boca twice the demonstration before the break. Carlos Palacios whipped a shot from a distance against the crossbar. Then Miguel Mereniel’s header also beat the woodwork.
Auckland, the only amateur team in the competition, scored her first goal of the tournament on level after 52 minutes.
Defender Gray shook his marker and went home from Jerson Lagos’ corner.
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The game was soon closed due to a weather warning, the fifth at the tournament, and resumed around 50 minutes later.
The Boca fans were some of the fervently at the tournament, and many refused despite repeated inquiries from the stadium employee to sing in the stands during the storm delay.
When the match was restarted, Benfica had beaten Bayern without rain in Geodis Park and Boca had no chance of the progress of the knockout rounds.
Merenstiel quickly scored for Boca, but the goal was not approved for a handball in the line -up.
Garrow saved a good rescue from Malcom Braidas Dip header when Auckland tried to face one of the Giants of World Football.
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The goalkeeper made another good stop from Kevin Zanon’s curling efforts from reach when the clock ran down.
Boca rained in shots when they desperately tried to avoid an embarrassing draw, but Garrow hit a Palacios Drive, and the New Zealanders celebrated wildly when the last pipe blew.
RBS/PB
