A scoreless draw with 10-man United States today was enough for New Zealand to reach the knockout phase of football's under-17 World Cup in Mexico.
Both sides went into the match joint leaders in group D and knowing a draw would be enough to see them into the next stage
regardless of the outcome of the other match in the group between Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic.
The match descended into a farce late in the second half with New Zealand content to maintain possession and pass the ball amongst themselves under no pressure from their opposition, safe in the knowledge that a draw would guarantee their progress.
Both teams finished the pool level on points and tied on goal difference meaning they would need to draw lots to see who finished second and third after Uzbekistan, who New Zealand beat 4-1 in their opening game, downed the Czech Republic 2-1 to top the group.
The United States held the edge in the first half, but chances were few and far between with the New Zealand defence keeping them in check.
The Young All Whites came out of their shell at the start of the second half, but it was their keeper Scott Basalaj who produced a stunning save to deny United States midfielder Alejandro Guido six minutes after the restart.
New Zealand midfielder Jordan vale was fortunate to remain on the field after a nasty foul on Matthew Dunn, but with 22 minutes left it was the United States down to 10 when captain Marc Pelosi picked up his second yellow card for pulling back an opponent.
Despite the one-man advantage, New Zealand showed a lack of ambition and were content to settle for a stalemate and a place in the second stage.
- NZPA
