Soccer: Juniors bag Brazil point

Bill Tuiloma led the Junior All Whites to a history result against Brazil. Photo / Getty

The New Zealand under-20 football team made history in China last night, becoming the first men's side to secure a point against Brazil.

The Junior All Whites grabbed a 0-0 draw against the five-time U20 world champions, earning a huge boost in confidence ahead of next year's World Cup in New Zealand.
After beginning the Panda Cup tournament with a tight 1-0 defeat against the hosts on Wednesday, New Zealand stepped on their performance against a Brazilian side which began their tournament with a 4-1 win over Croatia.

They defended stoutly at Shuangliu Stadium, led by captain Bill Tuiloma, and managed to create a golden chance to snatch a win in the second half before Brazil finished the game with 10 men.

"New Zealand people should be very proud of the team today," coach Darren Bazeley said. "They left it out there, gave 100 per cent and it was a strong and proud performance from our boys.

"We were playing a good Brazil team with good players but the boys showed so much heart and determination and, to be fair, we created the best chance of the game. We could have been even better but we're not going to dwell on that because Brazil also had chances."

A year out from the Fifa U20 World Cup on New Zealand soil, Bazeley said Friday's result should provide a real spark as the team continues their preparation towards the showcase event.

"It has to give the boys a lot of belief that they can go on the world stage and compete against the top nations in the world. Today needed a massive effort and they've produced. They've set a benchmark of determination, discipline and organisation that they are going to have to now live up to.

"If they can recreate the togetherness we've shown today, then we'll give any team a good game on the day."

The previous six men's meetings of the two nations had been fruitless in result terms until Friday, as the All Whites (three games), OlyWhites (two) and Young All Whites (one) had each been beaten.

The New Zealand women's side recorded the country's first win over Brazil last year at the Valais Cup in Switzerland, while the Junior Football Ferns claimed the first point in a 0-0 draw between the two nations at the 2006 U20 Women's World Cup in Russia.

The Junior All Whites complete their tour with Sunday's clash with Croatia at 7pm (NZ time).