Given what was at stake, it was a mostly cagey affair.
But Darren Bazeley’s team were solid throughout and comfortable in possession, then managed the game well after Garbett’s intervention.
Captain Finn Surman was a rock at the back, while Jay Herdman caught the eye amongst an impressive midfield group. Replacements Garbett and Ben Wallace provided plenty of energy.
And Bazeley got his tactics spot on, changing the shape midway through the second half in search of more attacking inspiration.
The coach has an inexperienced group at this level, due to the Covid pandemic, which forced the cancellation of the most recent editions of the Under-17 and Under-20 Fifa World Cups. Wellington Phoenix (five) have the biggest contingent in the squad, with three from Auckland’s Eastern Suburbs.
New Zealand started with a familiar 3-5-2, with Herdman and Noah Karunaratne the focal points on attack.
The Junior All Whites were solid from the beginning – quickly settling into a pattern of possession – without making many inroads in the final third. Guatemala, who qualified ahead of the likes of Mexico and Canada, took longer to find their rhythm but had some promising moments on the counterattack.
Tall striker Oliver Colloty worked hard and did well to hold up possession but was too often isolated, with Guatemala getting back in numbers. Crosses from both flanks were dealt with and neither Herdman or Karunaratne could work their way into space close enough to the penalty area.
Herdman tried an ambitious long range free kick – which drifted harmlessly wide – while Guatemala’s winger Figo Montano tested goalkeeper Kees Sims at his near post.
The intensity lifted in the second half. An opportunistic effort from Jackson Manuel looped over the crossbar, while an Archimedes Ordonez shot from distance almost squeezed out of Sim’s grasp.
Italian based midfielder Garbett, who plays at Serie C outfit Portenza, along with Phoenix attacker Wallace were introduced in the 67th minute, with Wallace almost making an immediate impact, testing the goalkeeper with a stinging shot from outside the area.
Herdman was almost played in – with the pass well cut out by a defender – before Garbett’s magic moment.
Midfielder Finn Conchie produced a precise angled ball in behind, with Garbett timing his run and finishing with aplomb, calmly lifting his left foot shot over the advancing goalkeeper.
New Zealand withstood some late pressure – with 11 minutes of added time after a prolonged delay with Guatemala’s goalkeeper leaving the field with a head knock – but preserved their precious lead.
Junior All Whites 1 (Norman Garbett 80′)
Guatemala 0
Halftime 0-0
