The New Zealand under-20s soccer team have been denied a famous win at the World Cup today after leading Uruguay in their group match.
Striker Andrew Bevin scored in the 57th minute to put give the Kiwis an unlikely lead, connecting with a Marco Rojas cross with a diving header
to beat Uruguay's Salvador Ichazo.
However dreams of an historic victory were dashed when Uruguay equalised in the 74th minute after some quick one touch passing put the Adrian Luna into space, where he slipped the ball in passed keeper Stefan Marinovic to score.
The match finished at 1-1 to leave New Zealand tied atop Group B with Uruguay on two points. Portugal and Cameroon, who clash later today, have one point each.
New Zealand play Portugal in their final group match for a place in the second round on Saturday.
Uruguay dominated the first half but were unable to beat Marinovic, although they thought they had the breakthrough in the 44th minute, however the goal was disallowed for an earlier foul.
The second half was much more evenly matched, with New Zealand creating a number of opportunities, and looked likely to double their lead until Dakota Lucas shot was saved in the 62nd minute.
Late on though it was all Uruguay, but Marinovic continued to deny Uruguay, totalling 11 saves for the match, as the Junior All Whites continue to emulate their senior colleagues who went through last year's FIFA World Cup unbeaten with three draws.
New Zealand's opposition were highly fancied, with a number of players representing Serie A and La Liga clubs.
Uruguay have reached the semifinals four times at this level, and were runners-up in 1997. Their senior team won the Copa America last month, and their under 17 squad made the final in the World Cup in Mexico.
- HERALD ONLINE
