On the eve of Auckland City's clash with Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Michael Burgess looks back at some big moments from New Zealand's participation at the Club World Cup.
6. Paul Seaman's goal, Waitakere United vs Adelaide United, 2008
It wasn't the prettiest strike - with Seaman being the first to reactto a goal keeping error - but his quick thinking gave Waitakere United the lead against Adelaide United. It was just the second time in four games a New Zealand side been on the scoreboard at the Club World Cup, and the only previous goal was an own goal by Iranian opponents Sepahan in 2007. However, Waitakere's lead was short lived - Adelaide scored five minutes later - and went on to win 2-1.
5. Sanni Issa penalty, Auckland City vs Moghreb Teutoen, 2014
The shootout score was locked at 3-3 when Sanni Issa strode forward to take Auckland City's fifth penalty kick against Moroccan champions Moghreb Tétouan. Wearing boots that were one size too big, and with 35,000 local fans baying for blood and some using laser pointers to distract the Auckland players, Issa had every right to be overcome with nerves. But the Nigerian, who had only arrived at Auckland City a few weeks earlier, coolly slotted a precise penalty into the top left hand corner. That put the pressure back on Tetouan and they hit the post with their next spot kick, handing the victory to the Oceania champions.
4. Chad Coombes blast, Auckland City vs Al Ahli, 2009
Playing against UAE champions Al Ahli, Adam Dickinson's goal on the stroke of half time had given Auckland City a precious 1-0 lead. Both sides had further chances before a inspired moment from Coombes sealed the result. After receiving a cut back almost 25 yards from goal, the one time All White unleashed a left footed drive that rocketed into the Al Ahli net. There was still more than 25 minutes to play but no way back for the hosts, as Paul Posa's team achieved the first win at this level by a New Zealand team.
3. John Irving's golden touch, Auckland City vs ES Setif, 2014
Irving had been on Everton's books until the age of 21 and his performances at last year's Club World Cup showed why. Along with captain Ivan Vicelich, Irving was the standout performer for Auckland City. He was the defensive rock at the back, countering almost every threat with his pace and anticipation as the New Zealand side went 257 minutes without conceding a goal. But his finest moment came at the other end of the field, with a goal of Premier League quality that booked Auckland City's improbable place in the last four. From an attacking corner, the ball fell to Irving on the edge of the area. He eluded his marker with a clever feint, before driving a low shot past the Setif goal keeper.
2. Riki Van Steeden's moment, Auckland City vs TP Mazembe 2009
Auckland City had created history at the 2009 Club World Cup by advancing beyond the first match and later faced African champions TP Mazembe in the playoff for fifth place. With the scored locked at 2-2 well past 90 minutes and the game headed for extra time, Auckland City launched one last counter attack. After a swift move down the left flank, the ball was fed to substitute Riki Van Steeden, who had been on the field for less than 20 minutes. Van Steeden hit a first time shot from the edge of the area that beat the Mazembe keeper at his near post to cue a huge celebration - and unprecedented pay day - for the Auckland club.
1. Angel Berlanga's goal, Auckland City vs San Lorenzo 2014
Auckland City had competed well against South American champions San Lorenzo, before conceding a goal on the stroke of halftime. But heads didn't drop, and they conjured a remarkable equaliser in the 67th minute. Emiliano Tade unlocked the Argentine defence with a clever through ball which eluded Ryan De Vries but rolled on to fullback Berlanga. From an impossible angle Berlanga found the net to draw Auckland level. Around 10 minutes later Tade had his own chance - with only the keeper to beat - to take the ASB Premiership team into a final against Real Madrid. However he miscued his shot wide of the target and San Lorenzo clinched the match in extra time.
