Christian Gray, a physical education teacher from Auckland, New Zealand, scored against Boca Juniors at the Club World Cup on Tuesday.
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Auckland teacher scores in Club World Cup
Gray’s strike secured a 1-1 draw against the Argentine giants, giving the New Zealand team a brief moment of joy that made their time in the elite tournament feel worthwhile.
The 28-year-old teacher from Mt Roskill Intermediate School rose to head in Jerson Lagos’ pinpoint corner, stunning the 35-time Argentine champions at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee.
It was a jubilant moment for Auckland City, whose amateur side had previously been brutally exposed in a 10-0 thrashing by Bayern Munich and a 6-0 defeat to Benfica.
Even FIFA President Gianni Infantino was there to witness the heroics.
“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,” Gray said after the match.
Part-time footballers
Auckland City squad is made up of teachers, delivery drivers, and tradesmen.
Many fund their own participation in the Club World Cup while juggling day jobs — a stark contrast to the millionaire professionals they faced on the pitch.
The New Zealand club may have finished bottom of their group with just one point, but for coach Paul Posa, that lone point felt like a victory against overwhelming odds.
“You can’t begin to explain the odds that we’re 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 that’s been working behind the scenes.”
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 half, but I just knew we had to score.”
Despite going back to their respective dayjobs, Gray and the rest of the squad is glad to be part of the greatest tie in the history of the amateur club.
“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,” Gray said.
