Academy scholar Monty Patterson started and scored as New Zealand’s U20s came from behind to beat Myanmar 5-1 to claim their first ever victory at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Wellington this morning.
The 18-year-old netted from close range two minutes after the break to put the hosts in front after Noah Billingsley had equalised Myanmar’s opener. Goals from Joel Stevens, Sam Brotherton and Clayton Lewis sealed the win.
Happy to have scored for my country and a great team performance pic.twitter.com/K0MDDLRdGH
— Monty Patterson (@PattersonMonty) June 6, 2015
The New Zealand youngsters finished third in their group but still could progress to the knockout stage depending on the results of games in other groups.
Midfielder or striker Patterson was making his first start of the tournament having come on as a sub in the 0-0 draw with group winners Ukraine and 4-0 defeat to the USA, who finished second.