New Zealand have lost their opening game at the four-team U-17 men’s international tournament in Japan.
Home side Niigata, a regional selection, won 2-1 on the opening day of the tournament being used to help teams prepare for November’s FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia.
Adam Watson scored New Zealand’s goal.
In the other game, Venezuela beat Japan 3-2 at the Niigata Athletics Stadium.
New Zealand have been drawn in the same group as Venezuela at the World Cup, adding extra interest to the upcoming match between the countries as the Niigata tournament.
READ MORE: Who New Zealand will play at FIFA U-17 Men’s World Cup in Indonesia >>>>
Watch the match
Standings
Fixtures
Game to be played on Saturday September 16, 2023
Japan v New Zealand
Niigata Athletics Stadium, Japan (6.30pm NZT)
Game to be played on Monday September 18, 2023
Venezuela v New Zealand
Denka Big Swan Stadium, Japan (9.15pm NZT)
New Zealand squad
Max Argent (Perth Glory, Australia)
Ruben Argent (Perth Glory, Australia)
Victor Barbosa (Auckland United, New Zealand)
Josh Brown (Western Suburbs, New Zealand)
Anaru Cassidy (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand)
Raphael Conway (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand)
Luka Coveny (Western United, Australia)
Noah Dupont (West Bromwich Albion, England)
Matt Foord (Cashmere Technical, New Zealand)
Dylan Gardiner (Hamilton Wanderers, New Zealand)
Marley Leuluai (Burnley, England)
Mac Prathumphithak (Christchurch United, New Zealand)
Fletcher Pratt (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand)
Luke Mitchell (Hamilton Wanderers, New Zealand)
Gabriel Sloane Rodrigues (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand)
Luke Supyk (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand)
Nathan Walker (Fencibles United, New Zealand)
Adam Watson (Stoke City, England)
Head coach: Martin Bullock
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