The New Zealand men’s Olympic football team began their Paris 2024 campaign with a 2-1 win over Guinea in Nice, marking only their second victory in the history of the men's Olympic competition. 

New Zealand started the match the stronger team, creating the best of the early opportunities. 

A well-delivered free-kick from Jay Herman in the 13th minute found Michael Boxall at the back post who crossed to the onrushing Finn Surman and Ben Waine, but the ball was just out of reach.

The breakthrough came in the 25th minute when captain Matt Garbett capitalised on a misdirected pass from the Guinean goalkeeper, dribbling into the box past the Guinea defenders and firing home a composed finish to put New Zealand ahead.  

The goal was particularly satisfying for Garbett who had missed a penalty just moments earlier after Sam Sutton was fouled in the box.

In the second half, New Zealand continued to press but it was Guinea who found the net first in the 62nd minute, but VAR ruled the goal offside in the build-up. 

 

10 minutes later Guinea equalised for real through Amadou Diawara, who fired a long-range effort past the New Zealand keeper. 

Diawara was one of Guinea's three over-aged players as part of an experienced midfield alongside former Liverpool midfielder Naby Keïta and Le Havre’s Abdoulaye Touré.

But just five minutes later New Zealand regained the lead. 

Joe Bell threaded a pass to debutant Lachlan Bayliss who squared the ball for Ben Waine to finish emphatically in the 76th minute.

Despite late efforts from both sides, New Zealand held on for the victory. 

They will now prepare to face the USA on July 27 in Marseille, with the match kicking off at 7 PM local time (5 AM NZT on July 28).

Article added: Wednesday 24 July 2024