The All Whites’ quest for a landmark win on European soil continues but they will take plenty of confidence from a 1-1 draw with world No 31 Norway in Oslo this morning.
New Zealand last won in Europe in 2010 but have never beaten a European side in their own country. They had a strong chance to break that run when defender Finn Surman gave them the lead just before the break today.
Then shortly after halftime, captain Chris Wood twice had the chance to give New Zealand a 2-0 lead in what was his record equalling 88th “A” international for the All Whites.
The Nottingham Forest striker first hit the post, off a brilliant long ball from Francis De Vries, and then missed a header opportunity right in front of goal from a Sarpreet Singh cross a few seconds later.
It proved to be a turning point after the All Whites had looked the better team for the opening hour at both ends of the field.
Wood left the field in the 60th minute, with a crucial English Premier League clash against Chelsea this weekend, only for the home side to level the game up two minutes later when Antonio Nusa eventually got one past Alex Paulsen who stood out in goal for the All Whites.
Ben Old was denied the chance to make it 2-1 with a diving header from close range before New Zealand defended the closing stages of the friendly.
It was a much better performance from Darren Bazeley’s side compared to their 1-0 defeat in Poland five days ago.
Norway, ranked 53 places higher than New Zealand in the world, were without Manchester City star Erling Haaland and Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth. The only previous meeting between the nations was a 3-0 Norway win 28 years ago in Brisbane.
New Zealand looked to take an early lead when Marko Stamenic put the ball in the back of the net in the 13th minute after a goalmouth scramble from a freekick. But VAR ruled he was offside from the freekick, denying New Zealand.
Paulsen was then called into action early getting a hand to a half volley from Aron Donnum, which was the home side’s best chance of the first half as Surman and Michael Boxall looked assured at the back.
With injury time added to the first half, De Vries delivered a freekick into the box which found the head of Boxall who sent the ball to the far post where Surman got a touch towards goal before colliding with the post.
Another VAR check was needed but the goal stood confirming a second international goal for the Portland Timbers defender.
After Norway levelled the game up in the 62nd minute both teams have strong chances to take the lead. First Old who was denied by goalie Orjan Nyland from a Tim Payne cross when moments later Norway’s David Moller Wolfe sent a strike across the face of goal before Sander Berge hit the post.
The All Whites were left to defend stoutly in the final few minutes to end a four-game losing streak while earning a draw against an in-form Norwegian side who had recent 3-0 win over Italy.
The All Whites will next test themselves against South American opponents when they face Colombia (November 16) and Ecuador (November 19) in the USA.
More to come…
All Whites 1 (Finn Surman 45)
Norway 1 (Antonio Nusa 62)
Halftime 1-0
All Whites 1 (Finn Surman 45)
Norway 1 (Antonio Nusa 62)
Halftime 1-0
