All Whites beaten in FIFA Series by Finland
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
The All Whites have been beaten 2-0 by Finland at Eden Park in a performance where the home side lacked a killer instinct.
Looking to start their FIFA World Cup 2026 home send-off in a winning fashion, the Darren Bazeley coached All Whites were led by skipper Marko Stamenic but couldn't find the finishing they wanted
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Both sides took their time to set a tempo in the match, Ben Waine creating first big chance of the match in 14th minute.
However Finland who opened the scoring in the 25th minute through a corner. Finland’s Joel Pohjanpalo rising highest at the far post to put the visitors 1-0 ahead.
Minutes later Tim Payne nearly pulled the All Whites level through a vicious volley outside of the box but he couldn’t bring the scores level at halftime.
A calf injury to Francis De Vries before halftime will be of concern heading into the second match of the FIFA Series against Chile on Monday in Auckland.
Ben Old lamented the loss in front of over 17,000 spectators.
"It just didn't look like we wanted it enough. They looked like they were winning all the duels, winning all the chances - just simple things you need to do to win a game."
"We didn't have the quality, but I also don't think we had the fight that deserved to win the game."
Halftime substitute Jesse Randall proved to be a handful for the Finnish defence, creating a number of opportunities from the left wing in an eye catching performance.
As Randall grew into the game, so did the kiwi attack which began to increasingly generate chances and knock on the Finnish door.
But New Zealand had to keep their wits about them. Finn Surman denying the visitors from doubling their lead, smothering a big chance for Finland who were through on goal. Soon after Finland’s Leo Walta would smack the bar from long range with an audacious shot.
Despite the All Whites efforts in finding a breakthrough, it would be Finland who’d find the back of the net again.
As New Zealand pushed their players forward, the visitors found space in behind with Jaakko Oksanen firing home from the centre of the box to put the match to bed in the 85th minute.
The All Whites next play Chile on Monday at Eden Park.
Full Time
All Whites 0
Finland 2 (Jaakko Oksanen 85', Joel Pohjanpalo 25')