Schoolteacher Grey scores dream goal as amateur Auckland City hold Boca Juniors to a draw

NASHVILLE – Christian Grey, a 28-year-old physical education teacher from New Zealand, scored against Argentine powerhouse Boca Juniors at the Club World Cup on June 24, offering the amateur side a fleeting moment of jubilation to make their participation in the elite tournament worthwhile.

Greys strike secured a 1-1 draw that sparkled like gold amid the rubble of Auckland Citys tournament, a campaign that had seen the amateur side brutally exposed by a 10-0 hammering from Bayern Munich and a 6-0 defeat by Benfica.

“I’m from a small town, a long way from here and a lot different to this environment. So it is somewhat of a dream,” Grey said after the match.

Auckland Citys squad – comprising teachers, delivery drivers and tradesmen – had paid a heavy price for their footballing ambitions, quite literally.

Many fund their own participation while juggling day jobs, a stark contrast to the millionaire professionals they faced on the pitch.

The New Zealand club finished bottom of their group with just one point, but for coach Paul Posa, that single point represented a victory against overwhelming odds.

You cant begin to explain the odds that were up against, Posa said.

Our club is tiny with the hugest heart. We got something today from the tournament, which was a just reward for everybody thats been working behind the scenes.

“I’m sorry to break some Boca hearts, but we worked so hard.

“You can’t say we haven’t learnt from the experience of being at the tournament, I’m thrilled for the players and the club, it’s wonderful. It’s something to go home with.”

The manager never lost faith despite the lopsided scorelines earlier in the tournament.

“I always thought we had to score a goal. We’ve just worked so hard. Got a bit lucky in the first