A Nail-Biter in Fort Lauderdale
Colombia edged out New Zealand 2-1 in a tense international friendly at Fort Lauderdale’s Chase Stadium on November 16, 2025, dashing the All Whites’ hopes of a morale-boosting draw just months before the World Cup. The match, billed as a key test for both squads, delivered drama from the opening whistle to the final moments, with Colombia’s late goal sealing the result.
Early Shock and Kiwi Resilience
The All Whites, missing several key players including star striker Chris Wood, Libby Cacace, and Ryan Thomas, were caught cold almost immediately. Colombia struck just three minutes in, with Gustavo Puerta capitalizing on a defensive lapse to put the South Americans ahead.
Despite the early setback, New Zealand showed impressive resilience. Coach Darren Bazeley’s side weathered Colombian pressure and gradually grew into the game, with their defensive organization and counter-attacking intent keeping the contest alive.
Second-Half Drama and a Cruel Finish
New Zealand’s persistence paid off in the second half. The All Whites found an equalizer through a well-worked move, with substitute Ben Waine finishing smartly to level the score and spark hopes of a famous result.
But Colombia, ranked among the world’s elite, pressed relentlessly in the closing stages. Their quality finally told in the dying minutes, as a late goal—reportedly from substitute Jhon Arias—broke Kiwi hearts and handed the South Americans a hard-fought victory.
Key Takeaways and What’s Next
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Colombia’s class: The win underlines Colombia’s status as a World Cup contender, with their depth and attacking flair on full display.
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New Zealand’s progress: Despite the defeat, the All Whites’ competitive showing against top-tier opposition bodes well for their World Cup preparations. The absence of key players makes their performance even more encouraging.
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Standout performers: Gustavo Puerta and Jhon Arias impressed for Colombia, while Ben Waine’s impact off the bench was a bright spot for New Zealand.
Expert Commentary
Football analysts praised New Zealand’s tactical discipline and fighting spirit, noting that “Bazeley’s men looked competitive with elite opposition before next year’s World Cup”. The narrow defeat, especially given the missing stars, suggests the All Whites could be a team to watch in 2026.
Colombia, meanwhile, will be pleased with their ability to grind out a result even when not at their best, a trait that could prove vital in tournament play.
Looking Ahead
Both teams will take valuable lessons from this encounter. For New Zealand, the focus shifts to integrating their missing stars and fine-tuning their approach ahead of the World Cup. Colombia, buoyed by the win, will look to build momentum as they chase global glory.
Sources
1. All Whites v Colombia: Late goal denies New Zealand draw with highly ranked Colombians
2. Preview of the Colombia vs. New Zealand Friendly Match at Chase ...
3. New Zealand v Colombia | Match Highlights | 16 November 2025
4. Colombia vs. New Zealand: Friendly Match Preview and ... - Xhibition
5. Colombia 2-1 New Zealand (Nov 15, 2025) Final Score - ESPN
6. [PDF] Local communities are urged to update their hurricane plans
7. Starting Lineups - Colombia vs New Zealand | 16.11.2025 - Sky Sports
