Croatian-connected Auckland City amateurs stun Boca Juniors at FIFA Club World Cup

Auckland City FC’s Christian Gray scores and celebrates his goal (Photo credit: Shane Wenzlick / www.phototek.nz)

Auckland City FC, an amateur club with deep Croatian roots, have caused a sensation at the FIFA Club World Cup, holding Argentine giants Boca Juniors to a 1-1 draw in Nashville.

The result not only earned them international recognition but also a significant financial reward, with the club set to receive approximately US$4.48 million in total prizemoney.

The match, played at Geodis Park, saw Auckland fall behind in the first half before 22-year-old Christian Gray, a trainee schoolteacher, score with a header early in the second half to secure a famous point.

Auckland City’s roots lie in Central United FC, which was founded in 1962 by Croatian migrants, many from Dalmatia. The club’s badge still features the distinctive Croatian checks, proudly representing its heritage.

Key figures behind the draw also share Croatian ancestry. Head coach Paul Poša, whose family is from the village of Pupnat on the island of Korčula, led the team alongside assistant coach Ivan Vicelich, a former NZ international with roots from Pelješac.

Ivan Vicelich talks to the players during the 1-1 with Boca Juniors (Photo credit: Shane Wenzlick / www.phototek.nz)

On the pitch, captain Mario Ilich, another with connections to Pupnat, and defender Adam Mitchell, from Vrgorac, played vital roles.

“You can’t begin to explain the odds that we’re up against,” Poša said after the draw. “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.”

Despite heavy defeats earlier in the tournament to Bayern Munich (10-0) and Benfica (6-0), Poša’s squad never gave up hope.

Auckland City FC’s Mario Ilich (Photo credit: Shane Wenzlick / www.phototek.nz)

“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.

The draw earned the club US$1 million under FIFA’s group-stage reward system, on top of the US$3.58 million participation fee.

The funds will be shared with New Zealand Football and other clubs in line with an existing agreement.

Poša said the result was not just important for the club, but for the wider region. “I think it’s restored a little bit of pride, a little bit of reputation for us,” he said. “People don’t understand how small a club we are and where we’ve come from. So, it’s just awesome.”