Originally published by FIFA. 

New Zealand and Uzbekistan played to an entertaining 2-2 draw at the Santiago del Estero Stadium to leave Group A finely poised at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Argentina 2023™.

Benjamin Wallace fired the Kiwis in front with a long-range left-footed effort from well over 25 metres out from the Uzbekistani goal. The ball dipped quickly and bounced in front of Uzbekistan’s goalkeeper Otabek Boymurodov before he had time to make the save, and Darren Bazeley’s side wheeled away in celebration.

New Zealand’s star man Jay Herdman scored the pick of the bunch five minutes before half-time to double their lead. The No10 spun his defender with the ball before he unleashed an unstoppable effort into the opposite top corner past a helpless Boymurodov.

Whatever Uzbekistan coach Ravshan Khaydarov said at half-time worked, because his Asian champions came out firing from the first whistle.

The White Wolves replied with a well-worked goal shortly after the break, ultimately finished off by Abbosbek Fayzullaev.

They completed the impressive comeback in stoppage time when Zafarmurod Abdirakhmatov craftily picked out a wide open Sherzod Esanov with a cross and the substitute made no mistake, heading past New Zealand keeper Kees Sims to ensure the spoils were shared.

New Zealand and Uzbekistan will return to Group A action on 26 May against Argentina and Guatemala respectively.

Article added: Wednesday 24 May 2023