Coach Danny Hay expresses disappointment following New Zealand’s 1-1 draw with Turkey and red card to captain Max in opener at Navi Mumbai
In a see-saw encounter, New Zealand and Turkey had to share points after the opening Group 'B' match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup that got underway at the DY Patil Stadium in Nerul yesterday ended in a 1-1 draw. For the young Turks, Ahmed Kutucu registered his name on the scoresheet, while skipper Max Mata ensured the scores were levelled later in the second half.
New Zealand's scorer Max Mata (right) dribbles past Turkey's Ramazan Emirhan Civelek during the FIFA U-17 World Cup at the DY Patil Stadium in Nerul yesterday. Mata was later red-carded. Pics/Suresh Karkera
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Both sides looked quite jittery on the big day and with thundershowers lashing the satellite city, it didn't paint a good picture. Turkey were arguably the better of the team technically, but the result did not please head coach Mehmet Hacioglu.
'Did not play to our style'
"As a team, we did not play well and in our own style, that's why the draw," he said However, after the rain subsided, the Crescent Stars managed to combat conditions. As Turkey gained momentum, the All Whites were beginning to look dangerous. At the helm of the attack was Mata.
It took a set piece for Turkey to find themselves ahead in the 19th minute. Kerem Kesgin delivered a curling corner to Kutucu, whose precise bullet header to the right corner of the goal was no match for Clarke. That goal swung the momentum in Turkey's favour. They began unleashing waves of attack at the Kiwis. Quick turns, burst of speed and deft touches were all on display courtesy Kutucu. The Kiwis were lethal with their corners, but somehow the finishing lacked finesse.
A stray dog stops play during the FIFAâÂu00c2u0080Âu00c2u0088under-17 match at the DYâÂu00c2u0080Âu00c2u0088Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai yesterday
After the break, Turkey showed off their skills. Against the run of play, a burst down the right flank saw Kutucu bewilder two Kiwi defenders. He fed the ball to his skipper Recep Gul positioned near the goal-mouth area. A powerful shot was firmly stopped by Clarke, who had an outstanding day in between the sticks.
After being awarded a free kick from just outside the 30-yard circle, Just sheepishly passed to the in form Mata. This time he found the net as the Turks protested against the sly goal. "During training, I always tell my players to look at the ball and not to turn their face. It was a sudden lack of concentration and that's why we conceded. We are still trying to adapt to the climate," Hacioglu said.
In the 83rd minute, New Zealand could have gained the lead. Substitute Matthew Palmer, after a run down the right flank, passed it to an unmarked Just. His shot kissed the fingers of 'keeper Berke Ozer and hit the goal post. In the dying minutes, Mata was shown his second yellow after locking a Turkey defender under his elbow with a header. It was a huge blow for the All Whites.
'Sending off, a shame'
"Our captain's sending off is really disappointing. I've looked at it from different angles and I think it was a tough decision which could have been avoided. The ref should have let him go. It's a shame that the World Cup is robbed of such a top player," New Zealand coach Danny Hay said while criticising the Panama referee John Pitti's decision.
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