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”.

Christian Gray scored Auckland City’s first goal of the Club World Cup early in the second half before a 50-minute suspension caused by lightning in the area, and the amateur team gained a 1-1 draw against Boca Juniors as the Argentine club was eliminated.

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