New Zealand have taken another step towards qualifying for the next round of the U20 Football World Cup in Argentina, drawing 2-2 with Uzbekistan in their second group game.
Three days after an opening 1-0 victory over Guatemala, the NZ men looked on course for a second straight win and progression into the round of 16.
Up against a compact Uzbekistan defence, they scored two first-half goals - both from outside the penalty area - to lead at the break.
Winger Ben Wallace opened the scoring midway through the first spell, beating goalkeeper Otabek Boymudorov with a left-footed shot that snuck in at the near post, giving New Zealand the lead.
Minutes away from halftime, Jay Herdman doubled the advantage, beating Boymudorov again with a rocket into the top left corner. Both goals were set up by midfielder Fin Conchie, taking his tournament assists tally to three, after setting up the winner in the opening victory.
The 2-0 lead didn't reflect Uzbekistan's statistical superiority.
In the 51st minute, Abbosbek Fayzullaev got the Asian champions on the board and left New Zealand to defend a lead for the rest of the second half.
To their credit, the young New Zealand defence withstood wave after wave of Uzbekistan's attack, which finished with 30 shots at goal to six, before the resistance was broken in stoppage time.
In the 93rd minute, Sherzod Esanov headed home a cross from the right to ensure the points were shared by the two sides.
Despite the draw, New Zealand are still top of Group A with four points, but may be overtaken by hosts Argentina, who face Guatemala later on Wednesday.
Even if they lose their final group match against Argentina, four points could be enough to qualify for the knockouts, with the four best third-placed teams to advance into the final 16.
New Zealand face Argentina on Saturday (NZ time), while Uzbekistan and Guatemala play at the same time to finalise Group A standings.
New Zealand 2 (Wallace, Herdman) Uzbekistan 2 (Fayzullaev, Esanov)
