Schoolteacher Christian Gray scores dream goal as amateur Auckland City hold Boca Juniors to draw

NASHVILLE – Christian Gray, a 28-year-old physical education teacher from New Zealand, scored against Argentinian powerhouses 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.

The defender secured a 1-1 draw that sparkled like gold amid the rubble of Auckland City’s campaign that had seen the amateur side brutally exposed by a 10-0 hammering from Bayern Munich and a 6-0 defeat by Benfica, who both advanced to the round of 16.

“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,” said Gray, who equalised for his team with a header off a corner in the 52nd minute.

Boca had scored in the 26th minute when defender Lautaro di Lollo’s header crashed into the left post and crossed the line after bouncing off Auckland City goalkeeper Nathan Garrow.

The New Zealand club – 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 in the United States.

They finished bottom of their group with just one point, but for coach Paul Posa, that single point represented victory against overwhelming odds.

“You can’t begin to explain the odds that we’re up against,” said the 63-year-old Kiwi.

“Our club is tiny with the hugest heart. We got something today from the tournament, which was a just reward for everybody that’s 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 coach 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 half, but I just knew we had to score,” he added.

For Gray, the tournament caps what he described as “a long four years” of preparation with a club that relies primarily on volunteers.

“That’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,” he said.

Now, Gray must swop the international spotlight for a pile of unmarked assignments accumulated during his school holidays, perhaps the most extraordinary transition in world football, after the greatest tie in the history of the amateur club. REUTERS, AFP