10th Anniversary of Morocco 2014

Words: ACFC Media

Sunday 15 December 2024

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - In 2014, Auckland City FC wrote an unforgettable chapter in football history with a remarkable run in the Club World Cup held in Morocco. A decade later, we commemorate this incredible journey that captured the hearts of football fans worldwide.

The Navy Blues embarked on their adventure with a thrilling penalty shoot-out victory over Moroccan champions Moghreb Tetouan, setting the stage for a fairytale run. In the quarter-finals, Auckland City FC faced ES Setif, the champions of Africa, and emerged victorious in a tense encounter.

Their journey to the semi-finals brought them face-to-face with South American champions San Lorenzo. In a match that seemed a step too far, Angel Berlanga's late equaliser forced the game into extra-time, raising hopes of an upset. Emiliano Tade, the club's all-time top goalscorer, nearly sent Auckland into a dream final with Real Madrid, but his volley narrowly missed the mark.

The semi-final clash ended in a 2-1 loss to San Lorenzo, with Mauro Matos' extra-time goal ensuring the Argentinians avoided a colossal upset. Despite the defeat, Auckland City FC's valiant performance earned praise from football media worldwide. Goal.com highlighted Berlanga's equaliser as a moment that "threatened another major upset," while Reuters and AAP lauded the Oceania champions' spirited display.

Auckland City FC's journey continued in the bronze medal match against Mexican side Cruz Azul. Ryan De Vries' early goal, assisted by Tade, put the Navy Blues ahead, only for Cruz Azul to equalise. However, Sanni Issa, the hero of the first penalty shoot-out, scored the winning goal, securing a historic bronze medal for Auckland City FC and coining the phrase: "Bronze is the new gold."

International media outlets, including the Daily Mail and Buenos Aires Herald, noted the incredible achievement of Auckland's part-timers, who defied expectations and showcased the strength of Oceania football.

Under the guidance of coach Ramon Tribulietx, Auckland City's campaign saw a diverse group of individuals—including a zoology student, lawyer, electrician, shop assistant, and truck driver—come together to create history. Captain Ivan Vicelich recalled the disbelief they faced, saying, "Nobody gave us a chance of getting past the first round."

Their triumphs in Morocco brought the club international acclaim and in addition Vicelich was awarded the Bronze Ball, joining Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos as one of the tournament’s MVPs. Reflecting on the campaign, he described it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

As we celebrate this milestone, we remember Auckland City FC's football fairytale—a journey that proved dreams do come true. Here's to the Navy Blues and their enduring legacy.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

We take a snapshot of how the Navy Blues' FIFA Club World Cup Morocco 2014 unfolded, reliving each match, featuring quotes from former Auckland City FC defender John Irving.

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP - PLAYOFF

10 December 2014 Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium Rabat, Morocco Attendance: 35,247 Result: Auckland City FC vs. Moghreb Tetouan drew 0-0 after extra time (Auckland City FC won 4-3 on penalties)

In the previous year, Auckland City FC faced heartbreak, losing to Raja Casablanca in the last minute of their playoff after Roy Krishna had scored a stunning equaliser following a catastrophic defensive error. This two-hour nailbiter showed the New Zealanders to be more than a match for the hosts in front of 35,247 fans at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

When Tamati Williams saved Moroccan international Ahmed Jahouh's spot kick, the miracle looked alive. Tim Payne, John Irving, and Darren White were all on target as the Moroccans clung on via Zaid Krouch and Senegalese defender Mourtada Fall.

The tension ramped up a notch when goalkeeper Mohamed El Yousfi saved Mario Bilen's penalty to leave the scores level at 3-3. But when Mohamed Khallati's penalty slammed into Williams' post, up stepped Sanni Issa to slot home a brilliant finish to hand the match to the Navy Blues 4-3 on penalties.

AUCKLAND CITY FC: 1. Tamati WILLIAMS (GK), 3. Takuya IWATA, 4. Mario BILEN, 5. Angel BERLANGA, 6. John IRVING, 8. Tim PAYNE, 10. Ryan DE VRIES, 15. Ivan VICELICH (c), 17. Marko DORDEVIC, 20. Emiliano TADE (9. Darren WHITE 68'), 25. Fabrizio TAVANO (14. Sanni ISSA 107').
SUBS NOT USED: 2. Simon ARMS, 7. James PRITCHETT, 11. Cam LINDSAY, 19. David BROWNE, 22. Andrew MILNE, 23. Sam BURFOOT, 18. Louis CAUNTER (GK), 24. Jacob SPOONLEY (GK).
INJURED: 13. Joao MOREIRA, 16. Daewook KIM.
COACH: Ramon TRIBULIETX

FIFA PLAYER OF THE MATCH: 15. Ivan VICELICH.

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP - QUARTER FINAL

13 December 2014 Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium Rabat, Morocco Attendance: 22,153 Result: Auckland City FC vs. ES Setif won 1-0 (John IRVING 52')

Three days after winning their Play-off match, Auckland City FC clinched their second victory at the FIFA Club World Cup Morocco 2014 by defeating ES Setif 1-0 in a rainy encounter at Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat. This historic win propelled the Oceanic champions into the semi-finals for the first time, setting up a clash with CONMEBOL champions San Lorenzo in Marrakech on Wednesday.

Auckland City started strong, with early chances from Ivan Vicelich and Fabrizo Tavano, but the first significant opportunity fell to Setif's Mohamed Benyettou 20 minutes into the game. However, the Algerian forward failed to keep his header on target.

Ryan De Vries dispossessed the Setif defense in the 30th minute and fired a shot from the edge of the box, narrowly missing the target. A scramble in Setif’s penalty area nearly led to an opening goal, but brave defending prevented Auckland from finding the back of the net.

Just before half-time, Angel Berlanga chipped the Setif goalkeeper, Sofiane Khedairia, but the ball glanced off the crossbar, keeping the scoreline level as the teams headed into the break.

The breakthrough came shortly after the restart, through an unlikely hero. A corner kick from the Navy Blues made its way through a crowded penalty area and found centre-back John Irving, who calmly controlled the ball and slotted it into the near corner past Khedairia.

Tamati Williams, Auckland's hero from the penalty shoot-out win against Tetouan, made crucial saves to preserve the lead, including a vital stop on Benyettou’s close-range effort in the 61st minute. The game's final 20 minutes were frenetic, with Setif pushing for an equaliser and Auckland seeking to secure their lead, the rain only adding to the intensity.

An Auckland counter-attack nearly doubled their advantage, but Khedairia denied De Vries' shot. Benyettou remained a threat, narrowly missing with an acrobatic effort from 12 yards out in the 75th minute. De Vries had another chance to seal the game 12 minutes from time, but his curling shot went wide. Sofiane Younes' header also missed the target, proving to be Setif's last chance.

Auckland City's defense held firm in the closing stages, ensuring their place in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Setif regrouped to prepare for the Match for Fifth Place.

AUCKLAND CITY FC: 1. Tamati WILLIAMS (GK), 3. Takuya IWATA, 4. Mario BILEN, 5. Angel BERLANGA, 6. John IRVING, 8. Tim PAYNE, 10. Ryan DE VRIES (9. Darren WHITE 90+1'), 15. Ivan VICELICH (c), 17. Marko DORDEVIC, 20. Emiliano TADE, 25. Fabrizio TAVANO (14. Sanni ISSA 86').

SUBS NOT USED: 2. Simon ARMS, 7. James PRITCHETT, 11. Cam LINDSAY, 19. David BROWNE, 22. Andrew MILNE, 23. Sam BURFOOT, 18. Louis CAUNTER (GK), 24. Jacob SPOONLEY (GK).
INJURED: 13. Joao MOREIRA, 16. Daewook KIM.
COACH: Ramon TRIBULIETX

FIFA PLAYER OF THE MATCH: John IRVING.

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP - QUARTER FINAL

13 December 2014 Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium Rabat, Morocco Attendance: 22,153 Result: Auckland City FC vs. ES Setif won 1-0 (John IRVING 52')

Just before half-time, Angel Berlanga chipped the Setif goalkeeper, Sofiane Khedairia, but the ball glanced off the crossbar, keeping the scoreline level as the teams headed into the break.

Auckland City's defense held firm in the closing stages, ensuring their place in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Setif regrouped to prepare for the Match for Fifth Place.

AUCKLAND CITY FC: 1. Tamati WILLIAMS (GK), 3. Takuya IWATA, 4. Mario BILEN, 5. Angel BERLANGA, 6. John IRVING, 8. Tim PAYNE, 10. Ryan DE VRIES, 15. Ivan VICELICH (c), 17. Marko DORDEVIC (14. Sanni ISSA 96'), 20. Emiliano TADE (19. David BROWNE 90+3'), 25. Fabrizio TAVANO (23. Sam BURFOOT 100').
SUBS NOT USED: 2. Simon ARMS, 7. James PRITCHETT, 11. Cam LINDSAY, 22. Andrew MILNE, 18. Louis CAUNTER (GK), 24. Jacob SPOONLEY (GK).
INJURED: 13. Joao MOREIRA, 16. Daewook KIM.
COACH: Ramon TRIBULIETX

FIFA PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Pablo BARRIENTOS (San Lorenzo)

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP - SEMI FINAL

17 December 2014 Stade de Marrakech Marrakesh, Morocco Attendance: 18,458 Result: Auckland City FC vs. San Lorenzo lost 1-2 (Pablo BARRIENTOS 45+2', Mauro MATOS 93'/Angel BERLANGA 67') After extra time

It was one step too far, but there were murmurs about what might have been as Auckland City FC took on the might of South American champions San Lorenzo in a dramatic semi-final clash in Marrakesh. Trailing to a Pablo Barrientos goal just before halftime, the Navy Blues levelled midway through the second half through Angel Berlanga.

When Emiliano Tade skied his shot high and wide of the target in what seemed like a golden opportunity, hearts were in mouths as a nation of fascinated football supporters watched back home. Mauro Matos scored a cruel winner in the first minutes of extra time, dashing Auckland City FC's hopes of a dream showdown with Real Madrid.

Reflecting on the moment, John Irving said, "We thought we were world-beaters and felt we could take on anyone at that time. Every team we played, we matched them and took them all the way. We were delighted that we got that far and finished third as nobody expected us to do so, but most of the lads were disappointed that we didn’t reach the final."

"When watching San Lorenzo take on Real Madrid, we were there and felt we could have been on that pitch, that it could have been us playing in that final. But it was a massive deal for us to come third and when we got back to New Zealand, there was a big parade for the club and everybody was over the moon for us."

Irving cites the team’s incredible synergy as one of the reasons behind Auckland’s 2014 success. However, he maintains the defining factor was the meticulous preparation of Spanish manager Ramon Tribulietx and his backroom staff, who left nothing to chance in Morocco.

"We were extremely well prepared going into the tournament," Irving said. "The manager had a gameplan and we worked very hard on it. Ramon studied every game and had everything down to a T. When it came to matchday, we were well drilled and knew what to do. And on a one-to-one basis too, he always took time out to make sure you were doing okay, not just in football terms but in your personal life as well.”

SUBS NOT USED: 2. Simon ARMS, 7. James PRITCHETT, 11. Cam LINDSAY, 22. Andrew MILNE, 18. Louis CAUNTER (GK), 24. Jacob SPOONLEY (GK).
INJURED: 13. Joao MOREIRA, 16. Daewook KIM.
COACH: Ramon TRIBULIETX

FIFA PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Pablo BARRIENTOS (San Lorenzo)

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP - THIRD PLACE PLAYOFF

20 December 2014 Stade de Marrakech Marrakesh, Morocco Attendance: 38,345 Result: Auckland City FC vs. Cruz Azul drew 1-1 (Joao ROJAS 57'/Ryan DE VRIES 45+2') (Auckland City FC won 4-2 on penalties)

Auckland City FC ended their historic FIFA Club World Cup Morocco 2014 campaign by finishing in third place after defeating CONCACAF champions Cruz Azul 4-2 on penalties.

Cruz Azul started shakily, with Francisco Rodriguez losing possession to Fabrizio Tavano, whose shot was saved by an alert Jose Corona in goal. The Mexican side soon found their confidence, and in the tenth minute, Joao Rojas narrowly missed the far post following a cross from Alejandro Vela. La Maquina had another chance ten minutes later when Marco Fabian's left-footed strike was saved by Auckland City FC goalkeeper Jacob Spoonley.

Auckland City responded in the 28th minute when Emiliano Tade dribbled past Gerardo Flores and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot, which was saved from a narrow angle by Corona.

Both sides seemed headed into the break level, but Ryan de Vries had other plans. In stoppage time, Tade's long diagonal ball found the 23-year-old, who shook off his defender to slot his shot past Corona, giving Auckland City FC a 1-0 lead.

Cruz Azul appeared to have their equaliser minutes after the break when Mauro Formica headed in a cross, only to be ruled offside. The CONCACAF champions continued to pressure Auckland City's goal and finally equalised in the 57th minute when Vela's cross found Rojas. Although his header was initially blocked by Takuya Iwata, the ball landed at Rojas' feet, and he made no mistake with his strike.

Cruz Azul continued to threaten, with Fabian's spectacular scissor kick blocked by Darren White and substitute Christian Gimenez's header saved by Spoonley. Each side had one more chance, with de Vries setting up Tim Payne for a shot saved by Corona and Flores crossing for Formica, whose header was saved by a sprawling Spoonley, leading to a penalty shoot-out.

Auckland City FC held their nerves from the spot, defeating Cruz Azul 4-2 on penalties. Sanni Issa scored the eventual winner, making Auckland City FC the first Oceanian side to win a medal at the FIFA Club World Cup.

AUCKLAND CITY FC: 24. Jacob SPOONLEY (GK), 3. Takuya IWATA, 4. Mario BILEN, 6. John IRVING, 8. Tim PAYNE, 9. Darren WHITE, 10. Ryan DE VRIES, 15. Ivan VICELICH (c)(11. Cam LINDSAY 80'), 20. Emiliano TADE (7. James PRITCHETT 90+1'), 23. Sam BURFOOT (14. Sanni ISSA 57'), 25. Fabrizio TAVANO.
SUBS NOT USED: 1. Tamati WILLIAMS (GK), 2. Simon ARMS, 18. Louis CAUNTER (GK), 19. David BROWNE, 22. Andrew MILNE.
INJURED: 13. Joao MOREIRA, 16. Daewook KIM, 17. Marko DORDEVIC.
SUSPENDED: 5. Angel BERLANGA.
COACH: Ramon TRIBULIETX

FIFA PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Tim PAYNE.

Ends