Patterson's New Zealand Fall to Battling Defeat
Thursday, 11th Jun 2015 10:37

Academy scholar Monty Patterson and the New Zealand U20s pushed Portugal all the way but were eventually beaten 2-1 to exit the FIFA U20 World Cup at the round of 16 stage in Hamilton this morning.

The hosts, big outsiders against one of the tournament favourites, went behind to Rafael Guzzo’s 24th minute opener, but the New Zealand youngsters fought back after the break and Blues midfielder Patterson played a pivotal role in their 64th minute equaliser.

The 18-year-old battled his way through a number of tackles inside the box and the ball fell to sub Stuart Holthusen, who slammed home.

The impressive Patterson continued to look New Zealand’s main attacking danger as they threatened to pull off a shock but the Portuguese won it with three minutes remaining, Gelson Martins finding the net from distance.

Overall, New Zealand will see their campaign as a success with reaching the knockout stages having been their pre-tournament target.

In the group phase Patterson came on as a sub in a 0-0 draw with Ukraine and a 4-0 defeat to the USA, before he started and scored in a 5-1 victory over Myanmar, New Zealand's first ever victory at the finals.

Photo: Action Images

Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.

Page:
1

coyb99 added 12:31 - Jun 11 well done lad
3

Foreverdon_Blue added 13:40 - Jun 11 Yes, well done. He sounds like a promising player for the future.
2

marco007 added 14:50 - Jun 11 On a positive my brother who lives in NZ was at the game and he said that Monty was the stand out player. He has a good technique, was very tidy with the ball and was a threat throughout. Hopefully another good prospect from our academy. However, if he is to stand a chance with MM, can he run and can he pump the ball into the corners of the pitch?? :)
1

KiwiBlue2 added 21:56 - Jun 11

I watched it on TV and Monty was very good. It has been a mystery to me why he did not start all of the games. He was prominent in the NZ goal, showed good close quarter dribbling skills and worked hard the whole time. He also drew several fouls from the Portugese. NZ had enjoyed a good period of play just prior to Portugal's second goal and the game appeared to be heading for extra time until the great shot for their second goal.