The side, featuring some of New Zealand’s top young talent including Tyler Boyd and Liam Anderson among others, topped off their first appearance at the event in ninth position after overcoming hosts FC Blue Stars in their final play-off match.
Their first group match of the event was against eventual runners-up Botafogo of Brazil, and came on the back of 32 hours of travel.
Fortunately they were ready for action and after just two-and-a-half minutes of play the referee was pointing to the penalty spot. Wellington Phoenix attacker Louis Fenton stepped up to convert giving the Wynrs from New Zealand the lead. A short time later a foul by one of coach Wynton Rufer’s troops saw the Brazilians awarded a penalty themselves, which narrowly missed the target. Botafogo eventually got their equaliser but despite constant pressure from both sides, a winner couldn’t be found leaving the match locked at 1-1.
The Kiwi’s second match saw them facing Borussia Dortmund, whose senior team recently secured themselves a spot in the UEFA Champions League final. Both sides put forward their best but unfortunately neither could break through the defence of their opposition and the match, despite plenty of action, ended in a goalless draw.
Against a slick Grasshopper Club side the Wynrs were punished early on when just six minutes into play the Swiss side had already scored an opener. Things only got worse for the visitors as the Grasshoppers dominated their opponent adding to their tally in the 38th minute, and going on to retain their 2-0 advantage until the final whistle.
Not wanting to finish their debut at the tournament with the wooden spoon, the side had pride on their minds as they lined up for their final match against the hosts FC Blue Stars in the ninth/tenth playoff.
The Kiwis applied early pressure on their hosts and were rewarded with plenty of goal scoring opportunities which unfortunately weren’t converted and it was Blue Stars who took the first-half lead.
In the second period the hosts upped the pressure however the Kiwis were finally able to cause problems 30 minutes into the half when Fenton launched a weaving attack with an eye on the goal. Blue Stars defence rallied but could do little more than foul the young striker who then stepped up to slot the subsequent penalty into the back of the net to bring his side back into contention.
With the score still locked at 1-1 at the end of the match separating the two teams came down to a penalty shootout. Two misses from the Blue Stars and only one from the Kiwis saw them earn ninth spot, 3-4 on penalties.
FC Zurich retained their youth cup crown beating Botafogo 5-0 in a one-sided final after racing to a 4-0 first half lead.

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