Boca had gone 1-0 up in the first half but Christian Gray, a teacher in training who said his “assignments are piling up” back home, equalised with a header from a corner and said he hoped the result will help Auckland “get respect back” after a “tough trip”.

Auckland City, the only amateur team in the FIFA Club World Cup, stunned soccer power Boca Juniors in a group stage game at Geodis Park.

New Zealand soccer team Auckland City’s inclusion in the FIFA Club World Cup resulted in an embarrassing scoreline and a magnificent final act.