Football: NZ U-17s thumped by France

New Zealand under 17 captain Danny Hay. Photo / Richard Robinson.

The New Zealand Men's U-17s crashed to a 6-1 loss against France in their opening game of the under 17 World Cup at the Estadio Chinquihue Stadium in Chile.

The European champions flexed their muscle in the opening 45 minutes, scoring five of their goals with four coming in the final 15 minutes of the period.

But a much-improved second half effort saw the New Zealand side pull a goal back through James McGarry - son of former All White Michael McGarry - in the 76th minute while the French were unable to add to their tally until stoppage time thanks to some more resolute defending from Danny Hay's side.

France, one of the heavy pre-tournament favourites for the title, completed the scoring on a counter attack seconds before the final whistle as Odsonne Edouard raced clear to slot home beyond New Zealand goalkeeper Michael Woud.

France began the game on the front foot and several scoring chances came and went before the European champions got off the mark in the 15th minute when New Zealand fullback McGarry could only turn the ball into this own net in trying to recover to clear a French through ball.

Hay's side kept working hard without the ball, keeping France at bay until the 32nd minute when Bilal Boutabba made it 2-0. Two minutes later France were 3-0 ahead as Emmanuel Maouassa struck before two goals inside the final five minutes of the half to Mamadou Doucoure and Alec Georgen made 5-0 at the break.

The second half saw the New Zealand side settle and an improved defensive effort restricted France to largely shots from outside the area.

That platform gave the New Zealand side more threat going forwards and Logan Rogerson had a great chance to pull a goal back in the 67th minute but scuffed his shot into the arms of France goalkeeper Luca Zidane - son of French legend Zinedine Zidane - after good work on the right flank by Lucas Imrie.

Woud was called into action immediately afterwards, making a superb save after a France break.

But despite that scare the New Zealand side continued to grow in confidence and they had their reward in the 76th minute when Rogerson charged down the left and into the area before cutting back to McGarry who drove home from six yards out.

New Zealand's next match is against Syria on Friday at 9am (NZ time) with LIVE coverage on SKY Sport 3.