9 Oct 2017

Sport: New Caledonia show fight in big loss to France

12:18 pm on 9 October 2017

New Caledonia showed some strong resolve, despite a 7-1 defeat by France in their opening match at the Under 17 Men's Football World Cup in India.

Making their debut appearance at a FIFA tournament, the French territory made a horror start when defender Bernard Iwa turned the ball into his own net in the fifth minute.

Further goals followed as France opened up a sizeable 6-0 lead at half-time, including a second own-goal just minutes before the interval.

New Caledonia were outclassed 7-1 by France.

New Caledonia were outclassed 7-1 by France. Photo: Twitter

The Oceania runners-up avoided further calamity eight minutes into the second spell when keeper Une Kecine saved a penalty, after substitute Raoul Wenisso had clumsily brought down Willem Geubbels in the box.

At the other end defender Cameron Wadenges scored the territory's first goal at a FIFA tournament, chesting home a free kick from close range with only six seconds remaining in normal time.

Having scored six goals in the first 43 minutes of play, France capped off a comprehensive result by scoring their seventh 46 minutes into the second half, having controlled 72 percent of possession throughout the match and had 31 shots on goal to five.

New Caledonia's next match is against Honduras, who were thumped 6-1 by Japan in their opening pool match.