ES Setif 0-1 Auckland City: John Irving Sends New Zealand Part-Timers into World Club Cup Semi-Final for the First Time
- John Irving's second-half strike was enough to secure semi-final spot
- It is the first time Auckland City have reached last four of World Club Cup
- Auckland will face Copa Libertadores winners San Lorezo on Wednesday
Reuters, 14 December 2014
John Irving's second-half strike led Auckland City to a stunning North African double as they defeated Algerian side ES Setif to reach the World Club Cup semi-final for the first time on Saturday.
The New Zealand part-timers, who qualified as champions of Oceania and are making a record sixth appearance at the tournament, had already beaten Moroccan club Moghreb Tetouan on penalties in their preliminary round clash on Wednesday.
They followed that up by dumping out the fancied African champions with Irving, a former reserve team player at Everton, grabbing the winner on 52 minutes when Tim Payne's corner fell to him on the edge of the penalty area.
John Irving (centre) celbrates with team-mates after scoring the only goal of the game
Former Everton player Irving is congratulated by his Auckland City team-mates
The Auckland City players celebrate reaching the World Club Cup semi-final for the first time
He cut inside the defender and fired a low drive through a crowd of players that goalkeeper Sofiane Khedairia got a hand to but could not keep out.
Auckland will face San Lorenzo of Argentina, qualified as Copa Libertadores champions, in a semi-final in Marrakesh on Wednesday.
Club World Cup Highlights: Entente Sportive Setifienne 0-1 Auckland