Soccer: Auckland City stuns with Club World Cup win

Oceania club champions Auckland City stunned hosts Al Ahli 2-0 in Abu Dhabi today to become the first New Zealand soccer side to win a game at the Club World Cup.

A tap in by Adam Dickinson just before the break and a piece of individual brilliance by Chad Coombes in the second half proved to be the difference as coach Paul Posa's side silenced the home crowd at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium.

Auckland City now progress to the quarterfinals where they will face Mexico's Atlante on Sunday (NZT) having already assured themselves of a pay day worth US$1 million ($1.42 million).

Posa said his team went into the game with an attacking mindset, eager to set the record straight after failing to score a goal in their only other appearance at the competition in 2006.

"We played out of skins tonight, we created the chances and we put them away," Posa said.

"Chad's goal was outstanding but overall it was a team effort and I'm incredibly proud of the players.

"We've worked hard as a club to get preparations right for this tournament and it's great to see that pay off. I think the win was well deserved."

Auckland City had the best opening chance of the game in the 18th minute when left back Ian Hogg laid the ball off for Dickinson, whose low shot from 6m was blocked by goalkeeper Yosif Abdalla.

The New Zealanders spent much of the first half defending as Al Ahli enjoyed plenty of possession and looked dangerous going forward through Brazilian striker Bare.

The United Arab Emirates club champions almost had the breakthrough in the 26th minute when Hassan's volley flashed just wide of goalkeeper Jacob Spoonley's left-hand upright.

It looked as if the first half would be a stalemate but just before the break Auckland City struck a decisive blow.

Jason Hayne, who was superb throughout, went on a surging run down the right and sent a perfect ball to the far post where Dickinson calmly cushioned the ball into the back of the net.

Al Ahli almost grabbed an instant equaliser when captain Salem Khamis latched on to a rebound but the midfielder, who had an open goal in front of him, somehow sliced the ball over the bar.

Auckland City doubled their lead in the 67th minute when Coombes cut inside his marker and blasted a left-foot shot into the roof of the net from 25m.

The attacking-minded Coombes had a strong game at right back replacing regular starter James Pritchett, who was ruled out at the last minute due to a hamstring strain.

Al Ahli tried to force their way back into the game but Auckland's defence, led by All White Ivan Vicelich, held strong.

Hogg played superbly down the left while Matt Williams, Adam McGeorge and Ki-Hyung Lee battled well in midfield.

The statistics did not reflect the scoreline with Auckland City claiming only 41 per cent of possession and hitting 16 shots to Al Ahli's 24, but that will not matter to Posa and his amateur squad.

- NZPA