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.