In an entertaining match which saw New Zealand put in an energetic effort in and out of possession, Danny Hay’s side will rue a number of missed opportunities over the 90 minutes at the Estadio Chinquihue, including a third-minute penalty miss from Connor Probert.
The result leaves New Zealand on one point, bottom of Group F on goal difference ahead of Monday’s game against Paraguay.
After the opening game defeat to France, the New Zealand side responded well with a strong first 45 minutes which saw Hay’s team produce the better scoring chances without being able to take one.
Probert missed the best of those in just the third minute, his spot kick after a Syrian handball in the penalty area crashing back off the post and away from danger.
The Kiwis’ energy in regaining possession led to consistent opportunities in transition and with the right hand flank providing a regular threat with Logan Rogerson, Owen Parker-Price, Jack-Henry Sinclair and Lucas Imrie all combining to good effect.
New Zealand’s second chance came in the 26th minute via that route as Parker-Price released Rogerson to the byline but his cutback was cleared for corner. Rogerson shook free of his marker to glance the delivery just wide of the left upright.
Five minutes before the break Imrie made good ground on the same flank and the resulting corner from James McGarry was again headed wide by Hunter Ashworth.
There was still time for the New Zealanders to carve out another opportunity before the break, a long throw from Probert on the right eventually found Rogerson at the back post but the New Zealand wide man couldn’t direct the bouncing ball on target from six yards out.
The second period saw Syria lift their performance with Michael Woud called into action several times and the Sunderland stopper was equal to the task, turning aside several goal-bound Syrian efforts.
At the other end, New Zealand continued to carve out chances on a regular basis with Imrie denied in the 58th minute by last-ditch defending from Syria. From the resulting corner defender Liam Williams headed down into the ground and over the bar.
In the 73rd minute Probert released Rogerson into the area and the New Zealand striker opted to shoot from the angle and Syrian goalkeeper William Ghannam parried to safety.
In the final 10 minutes Probert combined well in the area with substitute Sarpreet Singh with the latter again denied by Ghannam advancing to close down his shooting angle.
New Zealand’s final Group F match is against Paraguay on Monday 26 October at 8am (NZ time).
FIFA U-17 World Cup 2015
Puerto Montt, Chile
Estadio Chinquihue
October 23
New Zealand 0-0 Syria (half: 0-0)
New Zealand: 1. Michael Woud (GK), 2. Jack-Henry Sinclair, 5. Liam Williams, 8. Dane Schnell, 9. Connor Probert, 10. Logan Rogerson, 11. James McGarry, 14. Owen Parker-Price (7. Sarpreet Singh 75’), 16. Hunter Ashworth, 17. Callum McCowatt (13. Joe Bell 55’), 20.Lucas Imrie (19. Sean Skeens 69’)
Substitutes not used: 3. Liam Jones, 4. Oliver Ceci, 6. Ben Mata, 12. Reuben Clark (GK), 15. Luke Johnson, 18. Ahmad Mohammadi, 21. Christian Woodbridge (GK)
Coach: Danny Hay
Story courtesy of New Zealand Football

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