Soccer: U-17s fall to Czech Republic

New Zealand came off with their heads held high after going down by a goal to a heavily-favoured Czech Republic side in their second group D match in the under-17 soccer World Cup tournament in Mexico today.

The more experienced and bigger Czech side dominated the first half and led 1-0 at the breather after striker Lukas Julis scored in the 28th minute.

Showing little sign of a hammering 3-0 defeat in their first group outing to USA, the Czech Republic constantly tested New Zealand goalkeeper Scott Basalaj with brilliant long-range efforts.

While New Zealand began the match the more confident side, the nervy Czechs began to settle down, charging forward and taking their opportunities from every angle outside the area.

But the Junior All Whites appeared to be the fitter side and they carried the attack to their opponents late in the second half.

Basalaj was outstanding in goal pulling off a number of fine saves as the Czechs, who made 22 attempts at goal in the game to New Zealand's eight, tried to sew the game up.

New Zealand threw themselves into the attack with 10 minutes to go and Tim Payne and Stephen Carmichael but were unable to beat Czech goal keeper Lukas Zima in one to one situations.

Payne caused plenty of trouble for the Czech defence.

The striker dribbled several defenders in the box, and notably forced Zima into a fingertip save in the 69th minute.

The match was open for either team to find the net, but Julis missed his chance to put the game away after he ballooned a wide-open shot over the New Zealand crossbar.

And, successive efforts in the 85th minute from Payne and Carmichael, both incredibly hungry for a goal, made for a nervy end for Czech Republic.

The final round of matches will prove critical in Group D, with New Zealand, USA, and Uzbekistan all sitting on three points.

New Zealand are set to face USA on Monday morning (NZt) in Pachuca, while the Czech Republic will meet Uzbekistan in Torreon.

- NZPA