Patterson's New Zealand Fall to Battling Defeat - Ipswich Town News
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.
What to read next:
Sheeran to Extend Town SponsorshipEd Sheeran has revealed he has agreed to extend his sponsorship of the Blues into a fourth season but won’t be at Portman Road tomorrow.
Morsy: To Get a Club to the Premier League Would Be AmazingSam Morsy is no stranger to success as a footballer after winning promotion with Chesterfield, Wigan and Town, plus playing for Egypt in the World Cup, but would taking Ipswich into the Premier League perhaps be his number one achievement in the game?
Morsy: Exeter Experience Will Help UsTown skipper Sam Morsy knows only too well the prize for avoiding defeat at Portman Road tomorrow and believes he and his teammates will benefit from their experience of the near-identical situation that occurred a year ago.
McKenna: Squad Focused and RelaxedTown boss Kieran McKenna says his squad remain focused, despite a palpable buzz around the town as well as further afield back in Northern Ireland.
McKenna: It Would Be a Very Proud AchievementBlues boss Kieran McKenna says it would be a proud achievement to take Town back into the Premier League after 22 seasons away but says he hasn’t yet thought too much about the prospect of becoming a top-flight manager.
McKenna: In Many Ways It's Been a Normal WeekTown boss Kieran McKenna has tried to treat this week in as normal a manner as possible, despite the noise surround the club with the Blues just a point away from a return to the Premier League and their second promotion in two seasons.
McKenna: We're Going to Assess One or Two in the MorningTown boss Kieran McKenna says there are a few knocks and niggles in his squad ahead of Saturday’s crucial final day of the season game at home to Huddersfield with one or two set to be assessed in the morning ahead of the match.