U-17 World Cup Results: Venezuela Gilas New Zealand 3-0 In Group F's First Match

Venezuelan PeStricer David Martinez (10) after breaking into New Zealand's goal in Group F of the 2023 U-17 World Cup at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung Regency, Sunday (12/11). (Between/M Agung Rajasa/rwa)

BANDUNG - Venezuela destroyed New Zealand with a score of 3-0 in the inaugural match of Group F of the 2023 U-17 World Cup which was played at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung Regency, Sunday 12 November.

With this victory Venezuela topped Group F with a collection of three points, while New Zealand occupies the lowest position with zero points. Venezuela's position is still likely to be won by Germany or Mexico who will only play on Sunday night.

Quoted from Antara, the two teams started the match with a cautious appearance. It looks like up to ten minutes of the game being played, both Venezuela and New Zealand don't have a good chance of scoring.

The first good chance to become New Zealand's. Starting from a cross from the right, the ball was struck by Matt Dhoman De Villiers, to be pushed over by Venezuelan goalkeeper Jorge Sanchez.

After that, it was Venezuela's turn to threaten the New Zealand goal. Starting from a neat cooperation between Venezuelan players, David Martinez became the finishing attack with his shot which still hit the opposing defenders so that it only resulted in a corner kick.

Not long ago Venezuela had another good chance. Giovanny Sequera offered a pass to be struck by Martinez's shot, which goalkeeper Matt Foord. New Zealand's goalkeeper finally conceded in the 29th minute. A back-line coordination error between defender and New Zealand goalkeeper allowed Sequera to win the ball and send it to Martinez. From a long distance, Martinez fired a shot that nestled at New Zealand's goal.

Winning one goal made Venezuela even more excited. Until halftime, they had two other good chances, namely through Juan Arrango's soaring shot and Sequera's shot which New Zealand goalkeeper was able to deny.

Venezuela's team showed another attack at the start of the second half. In a short time, they had chances, namely from Sequera's two attempts and Leenhan Romero's header that bounced over New Zealand's crossbar.

New Zealand, which is forced to play more defensively, is only able to rely on sporadic attacks, making it not so difficult for Venezuelan goalkeeper Jorge Sanchez.

It was Venezuela, which was able to double the lead in the 87th minute. Romero received a pass from another substitute Alejandro Chicero, controlled the ball briefly, ending it with a hard shot without being driven away by goalkeeper Matt Foord.

There is still time for Romero to score his second goal, namely in the 92nd minute. Romero, who received a pass from Junior Colina, converted the opportunity into a goal through his left foot which was also the closing of Venezuela's convincing victory. The player's composition:

Venezuela: Jorge Sanchez (GK), Yiandro Raap, Rai Hidalgo, Angel Borgo, Luis Balbo, Jose Correa, Giovanny Sequera, David Martinez, Juan Arango, Nicola Profesta, Lucciano Reinoso

Coach: Ricardo Valino

New Zealand: Matt Foord (GK), Anton Isaako, Dylan GUARD, Nicholas Murphy, Maarley Leuluai, Noah Dupont, Nathan Walker, Anaru Cassidy, Matt Dhotman De Villiers, Adam Watson, Luke Supply

Coach: Martin Badminton