On 27 September 2025, another match after Panama and Paraguay occurred, which was a little tough but not as tough as the previous match. Anyway the match begun as the whistle was blown by Irfan Peljto
Lineups and tactical setups:
Some key names for Chile included Lautaro Millán, Ian Garguez, Agustín Arce, and Juan Rossel. For New Zealand, the striking option, Nathan Walker came off the bench to make a late impact. The Chilean goalkeeper Sebastián Mella played a crucial role in several moments.
Chile’s strategy seemed to emphasize territorial control and probing runs from wide players, whereas New Zealand aimed to stay organized, absorb pressure, and hit through counterattacks or set pieces.
First half: Chile pressing, New Zealand’s chances
The match kicked off with Chile trying to impose itself early, seeking to dominate possession and territory. New Zealand, patient in defense, looked to use transitions and aerial plays.
While clear-cut chances weren’t abundant early, Chile registered a few promising attempts, with Lautaro Millán shooting wide in the initial stages. New Zealand responded: in one instance, Keegan Kelly broke free and shot from 30 metres, forcing Mella to suffocate the strike. They also tested set-piece routines: a long throw-in sequence ended with a shot by Finn McKenlay that was comfortably held by Chile’s keeper.
In the 34th minute, New Zealand had a strong chance via Fergus Gillion, but his attempt flew over the crossbar. Chile ended the half on a stronger note, pushing forward toward halftime.
Despite some territorial supreme power, Chile hadn’t yet broken New Zealand’s resistance. The first half ended scoreless, and both teams looked evenly matched in intensity and desire.
Second half: Goals, redemption, and heartbreak
54′ – Chile strikes first
Shortly after the restart, in the 54th minute, Chile capitalized on a New Zealand mistake while playing from the back. The hosts pounced: Lautaro Millán found space and fired into the net to open the scoring, giving Chile a 1–0 lead.
This goal shifted momentum. New Zealand, forced to chase the game, began pushing more players forward, opening gaps at times in defense.
79′–85′ – New Zealand fight back
As time progressed, New Zealand’s energy bore fruit. In the 79th minute, Luke Brooke-Smith was substituted (reportedly due to cramp), making way for Nathan Walker. Walker’s impact was swift: less than two minutes on the pitch, he was brought down inside Chile’s box by Matías Pérez, leading to a spot-kick.
Chile invoked the FVS / Video Support system to challenge the foul decision. After a review, the referee upheld the call, awarding the penalty. Walker stepped up and coolly converted, shooting to the keeper’s wrong side. The score is now level at 1–1.
That equalizer reinvigorated New Zealand and shifted the psychological balance: Chile sensed danger, New Zealand felt momentum.
90+7′ – Garguez’s late dagger
With the match seemingly heading toward a draw, Chile kept pushing. In stoppage time, the 97th minute (i.e. 90′ + 7′), the dramatic moment arrived. A corner was cleared (or partly cleared) by New Zealand’s goalkeeper Henry Gray, but the ball fell to Ian Garguez, who poked it in to secure a last-gasp winner for Chile.
Garguez’s finish sparked wild celebrations and left the New Zealand’s side knocked out. The hosts had snatched victory in the dying seconds. In the aftermath, Garguez even received a yellow card for excessive celebration.
Thus, Chile won 2–1 in dramatic fashion.
Statistics & momentum swings
Some stat highlights:
- Final score: Chile 2, New Zealand 1.
- Scorers:
- Chile: Lautaro Millán (54′), Ian Garguez (97′)
- New Zealand: Nathan Walker (85′ pen)
- Attendance: ~ 45,547 at the stadium.
- Possession & shots: In the first half, Chile saw greater possession (69 % vs 31 %) and more attempts (6 vs 4) in the half. Over the full game, the shot totals were balanced (Chile ~10, New Zealand ~9) with similar numbers of shots on target.
- Fouls/discipline: New Zealand committed more fouls and picked up more cards.
- The late goal margin underscores how thin lines are at youth tournaments: one lapse or one moment can decide outcomes.
Player highlights & turning points
- Ian Garguez (Chile) — His late finish into the net under pressure will be remembered. He had the composure to stay alert, pounce on the rebound (or error), and execute under enormous tension. He also drew a booking in celebration.
- Lautaro Millán (Chile) — Opened the scoring with the game’s first goal, capitalizing on New Zealand’s defensive miscue. That strike set the tone.
- Nathan Walker (NZ) — Came off the bench and changed the dynamic. His penalty equalizer showed nerve and impact.
- Henry Gray (NZ goalkeeper) — Had a mixed night. Though he made some saves, he fumbled a punch from a corner in stoppage time, contributing to the late winner.
- Sebastián Mella (Chile goalkeeper) — Held firm during New Zealand’s pushing phases, especially before and during the equalizer situation. His presence helped stave off multiple threats.
- Matías Pérez (Chile defender) — His foul inside the box led to New Zealand’s 85th-minute penalty. That moment provided the Kiwis hope.
- Coaches & decisions — Chile’s use of the FVS challenge to confirm the penalty decision was pivotal; it legitimized New Zealand’s equalizer, and kept momentum alive. Also, the substitution timing for New Zealand bringing Walker in paid off.
Turning points & patterns
- Chile’s goal from opponent error – The 54′ goal came from a turnover as New Zealand attempted to play out from the back. That moment shows how high risk strategies can be punished in youth football.
- Penalty equalizer late in regulation – The foul inside the box, combined with the video review mechanism, was a key shift. That goal broke the equilibrium and pushed the match toward tension.
- Stoppage time finish – The 97′ winner by Garguez turned what looked like a draw into a win. The capacity to stay concentrated and attack until the final whistle was decisive.
- Mental & physical fatigue – As the game wore on, New Zealand’s defense was tested repeatedly. Chile’s persistence, pushing marginal edges, forced errors at a critical phase.