The New Zealand U-17 men have touched down in Argentina to complete their preparations for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil which begins on 26 October.

Before they left, the 23-man squad attended a ceremony at North Harbour Stadium where they were presented their New Zealand shirts for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

It was a special occasion with All Whites coach Danny Hay and NZ U-17 Head Coach Jose Figueira awarding the shirts to the players in front of their friends and family. 

Figueira said it was great to see how much representing New Zealand meant to his squad.

“It is good to just stop and take a moment and see the excitement and joy about what this all means,” he said.  “It is great to have the families here. It is a really proud moment for me, and also a really proud moment for the players as well.”

Figueira said two years of preparation had gone into the FIFA U-17 World Cup so it was great to be so close to their opening game against FIFA U-17 World Cup debutants Angola on 26 October. 

“The last couple of weeks have flown by pretty quickly. Once we get on that plane we know that our preparations will ramp up another notch. As soon as we touch down in Buenos Aires in the morning we are out training in the afternoon and our preparations begin for the World Cup. We are looking forward to getting over there and getting started.” 

Goalkeeper Alexander Paulsen, who played a leading role in the team qualifying with a superb performance in the OFC U-16 Championship Final, said it was an amazing feeling to be presented his shirt.

“It is pretty incredible being in this position, representing New Zealand at a World Cup,” said Paulsen.  “It is really cool to see the joy on our parents’ faces and see what it means to them. It is a great experience being here and we can’t wait to get over there now. I can’t wait to put on the shirt and do my best to make my family and friends proud, and also the nation proud as well.”

The new All Whites coach Hay, a former NZ U-17 Head Coach, outlined what it meant to be representing New Zealand at a FIFA World Cup and his message had an impact on the group.

Campbell Strong, the captain of the NZ U-17 men during the qualifiers, plays his football for Eastern Suburbs and has known the former Lily Whites coach for a long time. 

“I have known Danny since I was really young. He has done so much for me and I cannot thank him enough,” said Strong. “It was great to hear him talking about this moment and what it means. He let us know what we should be aiming for and the boys are all pretty focused. Anytime you represent the Fern it is a huge honour and privilege as Danny and Jose eluded to.”

Bradley Wilson added:  “It was a huge honour to have Danny here as well and hear him talking about what this all means. He is a former All Whites captain and now the coach and getting to represent the All Whites is a big goal of mine in the years to come so I want to work hard and keep building to that. It was pretty humbling to share this experience with my friends and family.” 

Figueira’s team will play Mexico and Argentina in international friendlies on 17 and 20 October respectively, ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

New Zealand has made the Round of the 16 of the FIFA U-17 World Cup on three occasions (2009, 2011 and 2015) but failed to advance at the last event staged in India in 2017.

New Zealand play Angola, Brazil and Canada in the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 – All games live on SKY Sport NZ
26 October
New Zealand v Angola
Estádio Bezerrão, Gama
Kick-off: 8pm local time (27 October, 12pm NZT)

29 October
Brazil v New Zealand
Estádio Bezerrão, Gama
Kick-off: 8pm local time (30 October, 12pm NZT)

1 November
Canada v New Zealand
Estádio Bezerrão, Gama
Kick-off: 8pm local time (2 November, 12pm NZT)

Article added: Monday 14 October 2019