City Draw with Boca to Stun Football World

Christian Gray, a schoolteacher by profession, scored the equaliser for the club from Sandringham with a well-timed header in the 52nd minute, after Boca had taken the lead through an own goal in the first half.

The result marked a remarkable turnaround for the Oceania champions, who had suffered heavy defeats in their opening two group matches and were widely expected to be comfortably beaten by the Argentine giants.

Played in challenging conditions at Geodis Park, the match was interrupted by a 45-minute delay due to severe weather shortly after Gray’s goal levelled the score.

Boca, who required a seven-goal win to progress to the knockout stages, created numerous chances but were repeatedly denied by goalkeeper Nathan Garrow and a resolute Auckland defence. The Buenos Aires side believed they had reclaimed the lead following the restart, only for VAR to disallow the goal for a handball in the build-up.

Backed by over 15,000 passionate fans, Boca registered more than 40 attempts on goal, but the Navy Blues defended with brave determination to earn a draw that stunned their critics and brought pride to New Zealand football.

Post-match, Gray reflected on the significance of the result.

“It’s been a tough trip,” he said. “We’ve had some difficult results, but I think we got a little bit of respect back. I’m just happy for the club and the boys—we’ve worked incredibly hard for this.”

Auckland City return to New Zealand with their heads held high, having faced three of world football’s most storied clubs and concluded their campaign with a performance that may be long remembered by their supporters back home.

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Match Result

FIFA Club World Cup

Wednesday 25 June 2025
Geodis Park, Nashville

Auckland City FC 1 (Christian GRAY 52’)
Boca Juniors 1 (Nathan GARROW OG 26’)
HT: 0–1

AC: 2. Mario ILICH (c),  3. Adam MITCHELL, 4. Christian GRAY, 5. Nikko BOXALL, 7. Myer BEVAN, 8. Gerard GARRIGA (14. Jordan VALE 54′), 10. Dylan MANICKUM (27. Haris ZEB 68′), 12. Regont MURATI (19. Dylan CONNOLLY 54′), 17. Jerson LAGOS (16. Joe LEE 83′), 24. Nathan GARROW (GK), 26. David YOO (20. Matthew ELLIS 54′).

SUBS NOT USED: 1. Conor TRACEY (GK), 6. Jackson MANUEL, 9. Angus KILKOLLY, 11. Ryan DE VRIES, 13. Nathan LOBO, 15. Jeremy FOO, 18. Sebastian CIGANDA (GK), 21. Adam BELL, 23. Alfie ROGERS, 25. Michael DEN HEIJER.

INJURED: 22. Tong ZHOU (Concussion).

HEAD COACH: PAUL POSA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH 
ASSISTANT COACH: Adria CASALS
ASSISTANT COACH: Daewook KIM
TECHNICAL ANALYST: Malte THESENVITZ
GK COACH: Jonas HOFFMANN
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE
PHYSIO: Zara ELLIS
PHYSIO: Natalia KOSINSKA
TEAM DOCTOR: Craig PANTHER