2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup: Turkey, New Zealand share spoils in Group B game
Navi Mumbai: Ahmed Kutucu became first goal scorer of this years FIFA Under 17 World Cup as Turkey and New Zealand played out 1-1 in the first match of the Group B encounter at DY Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai. New Zealand captain Max Mata scored the equaliser as both the teams shared points.
Turkey dominated the proceedings right from the whistle as they attacked the New Zealand goal. The team in red and black jersey had the first sight on the goal in the 5th minute Malik headed the ball inside the box , but Ahmed Kutucu shot hit the side net.
New Zealand came with their own response in the 11 th minute. Elijah Just ran inside the box and delivered a cross but Kingsley Sinclair’s shot missed the goal by couple of inches.
Turkey opened the scoring in the 18th minute, Karem Kesgin’s corner was attacked by Ahmed Kutchku inside the box, his powerful header went past New Zealand keeper Jacob Clark.
New Zealand best chance in the opening half came in the 43rd minute. Leon Van Den Hoven’s corner was met with a header by skipper Max Mata but his effort was blocked on the line by Turkish keeper Burkey Ozer.
New Zealand came out strong in the second half, But Turkey continued to attack their opponents goal. Turkey captain Gul once again came close in the 53rd minute, but his stinging shot was blocked by keeper Clark. New Zealand scored the equaliser in the 58th minute captain Max Mata scored the goal after Elijah Just took quick freekick which caught Turkeys defence by surprise.
The boys in white came close in the 80th minute, Sahan Akyüz made a bad mistake with a pass that went to Spragg but goalkeeper Ozer came of the line to thwart him.
Elijah Just came close to giving his team the lead in the 83rd minute but his shot hit the post after Ozer managed to get the hand on the ball.
Max Mata was sent off seconds before the final whistle after using his elbow into a tackle.
Speaking about Teams performance Turkey coach Mehmet Hacioglu said, “I am not talking about individual performances. As a whole team, we could not play very well and our own style and that’s why the result was draw. It was not for New Zealand’s physical advantage that the result (was a draw), we could not play to our style”.
The rains played the spoiltsport even before the match but the coach seemed unfazed by the change in weather condition “The pitch was very good and we did not face any physical difficulties on the field and due to the rain It was ok” said the coach.
Hacioglu expressed his disappointment on conceding the goal “I am disappointed, we conceded a goal because of our own mistake. In the training I always say to my players al ways look at the ball and don’t turn your face and it was a sudden lack of concentration and because of this we conceded the goal. He quoted.
I can say that we are still trying to adapt the climate and the lack of concentration caused by this reason” “One of the positive side of our game is when we take the ball and hold it, we create change and score”
New Zealand coach Danny Hay was disappointed with the draw he said “ I think we have to win every game out there. I am slightly disappointed with the draw. We had great chances and so did Turkey".
New Zealand captain Max Mata who was sent off faces suspension for their second match against Paraguay. “Our captain’s sending off is really disappointing. Now it’s an opportunity to step up for another player. It could play a huge part in our campaign” said the coach.
" I’ve looked at it from different angles and I think it was a tough decision which could have been avoided. The ref could have let him go. It’s a shame that the World Cup is robbed of such top players", he concluded.
