FIFA Club World Cup: Amateurs Auckland City Hold Boca Juniors To 1-1 Draw

Sports Football

Posted by AI on 2025-06-25 11:53:35 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-10 12:41:01

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Auckland City FC produced a heroic performance to hold Argentine giants Boca Juniors to a 1-1 draw in their FIFA Club World Cup opener. Boca, with a staggering 34 league titles and backed by a fervent crowd, took the lead midway through the first half when Auckland 'keeper Nathan Garrow turned the ball into his own net. Christian Grey equalised early in the second half with a header to stun the reigning champions and give Auckland a valuable point.

The result means Auckland, charismatic underdogs and champions of the humble OFC Champions League, qualify for the quarter-finals, where they will face the mighty Bayern Munich. Boca, meanwhile, will play River Plate in a mouth-watering continental clash, where the winner takes on the mighty Manchester City in the semis.

Auckland coach Dan Milosevic was relieved to survive a Boca onslaught, suggesting his side could cause more upsets. "We had to dig deep, and it was a great performance, especially in the second half we showed a lot of character," he said. "For us, it shows we can compete at this level, and we'll enjoy the moment."

The draw sets up a mouth-watering rematch between the two sides on Tuesday, where the tide could turn once more. Who will emerge victorious? Stay tuned.

Go!