USA (7)* v New Zealand (6)
By Fiona Crawford
New Zealand came back from a six-goal deficit to force the USA to a penalty shootout in the final Section 2, Group E match played at Federation Square today. Then, in an heroic spirit of fair play, New Zealand conceded the penalty shootout to ensure that the third-placed USA could secure the win and progress to the next stage of the competition.
The USA stacked on six goals in the first half to achieve what appeared to be an unbeatable lead before New Zealand staged a second-half comeback to lock the full-time score at 6-6.
Marcel Coe scored New Zealand's first goal early in the second half and a steadied New Zealand team launched an assault. An uncontained USA backpass gave New Zealand their fifth goal before Wayne Rigg equalised with one minute to go.
Despite desperate efforts by both teams to secure the win, the score remained locked at full time.
Cornelius Cruz slotted home the USA's penalty shot and then, in an incredible spirit of fair play, Marcel Coe allowed the keeper to save his shot to give the USA the win and progress to the quarter finals.
Photos: Photoworx
