World Cup Dream Ends: New Zealand Outclassed by Kazakhstan in Group Stage Finale

TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN – September 22, 2024 – The inaugural FIFA Futsal World Cup journey for the New Zealand Futsal Whites came to a challenging conclusion as they were definitively outclassed, 10-0, by the world number eight ranked Kazakhstan in their final Group D match at the Humo Arena.

The comprehensive defeat dashed any lingering hopes for Marvin Eakins’ side to progress to the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed teams.

Knaub’s Five-Star Performance

Kazakhstan, who entered the match needing a massive win to challenge Spain for the top spot in the group, delivered their biggest-ever victory at a FIFA Futsal World Cup, thanks largely to an outstanding individual performance from forward Arnold Knaub.

Knaub was the catalyst, scoring five goals on the night. The Futsal Whites managed to hold out for the opening nine minutes before Rinat Turegazin broke the deadlock. Knaub then scored twice before halftime, giving Kazakhstan a 4-0 lead.

The crucial damage was inflicted immediately after the restart, with Knaub scoring his third and fourth goals in quick succession, followed by Leo’s first of two goals, which obliterated any chance of a New Zealand comeback.

Defensive Resilience Tested

Despite the final scoreline, the result could have been worse for the debutants. The official match statistics showed a stark disparity, with Kazakhstan unleashing 74 shots in total, including 25 on target, compared to just 16 for New Zealand. Goalkeeper Mike Antamanov was heavily praised for his exploits in goal, which kept the score from escalating further.

Kazakhstan Goal Summary:

Rinat TUREGAZIN (9’)
Akzhol DARIBAY (12’)
Arnold KNAUB (15’, 16’, 21’, 23’, 37’)
LEO (21’, 30’)
Own Goal (31’)

Group D Conclusion

Kazakhstan finished as Group D runners-up behind Spain, securing a challenging Round of 16 encounter against the reigning world champions, Portugal.

Meanwhile, the Futsal Whites conclude their first-ever World Cup appearance with three losses, but having made history simply by qualifying and competing at the global finals for the first time. Their other Group D results were a 3-1 loss to Libya and a 7-1 loss to Spain.

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Khalid Javed

Khalid Javed is known as Khalid Minhas is editor of Daily Olympic.He is a seasoned journalist and worked with different national and international media outlets.