Football: Youngsters show out for NZ sides

Tyler Boyd, number 7 of the All Whites, took on four Japanese at one time in Tokyo.

Young footballers with a strong link to the Western Bay were in action for the All Whites and Football Ferns yesterday morning.

Tyler Boyd and Ryan Thomas, both 19, played starring roles in the comeback by the All Whites against Japan as they recovered from 0-4 to eventually lose 2-4 in Tokyo.

Helen Collins, a former Tauranga Girls' College star, played the last 20 minutes off the bench for the Football Ferns in their 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland in their opening match in the Cyprus Cup at the Tasos Marko stadium in Paralimni, Cyprus.

Boyd, who had a year at Tauranga Boys' College and plays for the Wellington Phoenix, teamed well with Te Puke's Thomas, who has made a great start to his career in the Dutch Premier League with leaders PEC Zwolle.

The All Whites faced a 0-4 deficit after 16 minutes before Leicester City striker Chris Wood scored a goal in each half to make the final score respectable.

Boyd and Thomas played a big hand in the fightback. They provided a penetrative and regular threat to the Japanese defenders.

All Whites captain Glen Moss saw enough from his young charges over the balance of the 90 minutes against the Samurai Blue to like the look of the future.

"Both debutants were awesome tonight and they played with such confidence," Moss said. "It's a hell of an atmosphere to come into for your first game and they did really well and can be proud of themselves."

In Cyprus, the Football Ferns will be lamenting missed opportunities. It was 0-0 at halftime, after both teams had good spells of possession and chances in front of goal.

The 16th-ranked Kiwis had a number of chances in the second half over 33rd-ranked Ireland, with Betsy Hassett and Sarah Gregorius having opportunities in front of goal.

Ireland's Aine O'Gorman scored in the 64th minute and it was only in the 87th minute that Hannah Wilkinson got on the end of a long ball into the box to level.

They face Switzerland tomorrow at 4.30am at the same venue, Tasos Marko Stadium, in Paralimni.