Head coach Martin Bullock hasn’t given up hope on New Zealand’s chances of making the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17’s Men’s World Cup.
Speaking after his side’s 3-1 Group F loss to Germany, Bullock said: ‘We still feel we’re in this World Cup.”
To go through to the knockout stages of the tournament in Indonesia, New Zealand must beat Mexico in their final group game on Saturday.
Mexico also lost 3-1 to Germany, and drew 2-2 with Venezuela who were reduced to 10 men after a red card in the 40th minute.
Even then, New Zealand need other results to fall in their favour so they can be one of the best-performing third-placed teams in their group.
Bullock said he was proud of the New Zealand team and he said he hoped people watching the game would realise what his players were up against.
“To play against the European champions is massive,” he said.
“The boys know they have been in the tough game of their lives.”
Goalscorer Adam Watson said he felt proud to have scored at a World Cup.
When the penalty was given, he knew straight away where he was going to put it, he said.
READ MORE: Skilful Germans outplay New Zealand 3-1 at FIFA U-17 Men’s World Cup >>>>
Results
Group F
Game played on Thursday November 16, 2023 (NZT)
Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung
New Zealand 1 (Adam Watson 90+1′)
Germany 3 (Paris Brunner 45+7′, Max Moerstedt 60′, Bilal Yalcinkaya 81′)
Game played on Wednesday November 15, 2023 (NZT)
Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung
Mexico 2 (Stephano Carrillo 62′, Luis Arturo Ortiz Zambrano 67′)
Venezuela 2 (Alejandro Gabriel Cichero Terrero 6′, Nicola Profeta Cabrales 84′, pen)
Standings
Fixture
Game to be played on Saturday November 18, 2023
New Zealand v Mexico
Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung (10pm NZT)
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