Backing up a 2-1 win over ASB Premiership Champions Waitakere United on Thursday night, the draw against a well-stocked Auckland line-up, albeit one still in pre-season mode is anther welcome fillip as the head to the Middle East for the 24-nation tournament.
The sides went in to the break goalless but Zak Speedy was finally beaten when Andrew Milne – himself a graduate of the 2009 New Zealand U-17s – crossed for Daniel Koprivcic to score a 55th minute opener.
Alex Rufer restored parity 13 minutes later with a superb freekick bent around the wall and past Tamati Williams, and the Young All Whites nearly inched the victory at the death only to be denied by the post.
Facing one of the tougher groups at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, New Zealand kick off their campaign against Uruguay on October 17 in Ras Al-Khaimah, meet Italy in the same Arab Sheikdom three days later before travelling to the capital Abu Dhabi to face Côte d’Ivoire in their final Group B game on October 23.
The prospect of warm up matches for the Young All Whites and other competing nations whilst in camp in Dubai is currently being explored.

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