Amateurs' best draw ever

AMATEUR side Auckland City earned the greatest result in the team’s history with a 1-1 draw against Boca Juniors at the Club World Cup on Tuesday.

The already-eliminated New Zealanders fought off the Argentine powerhouses, who entered the game with hopes of advancing if they won, although as Benfica beat Bayern Munich in the other Group C match, Boca would also have been ousted anyway.

Auckland goalkeeper Nathan Garrow’s own goal sent Boca ahead but Christian Gray equalised with a header in the second half to earn his team a remarkable point.

Auckland, who were crushed 10-0 by German giants Bayern in their first game and 6-0 by Benfica in the second, set up to defend with five at the back and it paid off.

“It’s been a tough trip, we’ve had some tough results but I’m just happy for the team and the boys, I think we deserve it, we got a little bit of respect back I hope," said Gray.

“We rely on volunteers, we don't have a lot of money, so I'm just happy that (everyone) is happy...

“It’s been a long four years to be honest, building up to this... (I’m) a little bit lost for words.”