New Zealand Football’s eFootball team registered their first wins in the FIFAe Nations Series but failed to qualify for the FIFAe Nations Cup in Copenhagen. 

The side made their competition debut in Group A of the Asia and Oceania qualifying group, alongside Australia, Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines. 

After opening defeats to eventual first and second placed sides Malaysia and Japan, the team beat the Philippines 2:1 on PlayStation, with Joshua King (JMKKing) playing, and 2:0 on XBOX, with Sean Baines (Bainsey5416), taking all 6 points and setting up a last group game against Australia to fight it out for the third placed playoff spot. 

Unfortunately, a 0:2 defeat on PlayStation and a 0:0 draw on XBOX saw the Australians finish in the playoff position before eventually being knocked out by Singapore, the third placed side in Group B, seeing them qualify for the Finals alongside Malaysia, Japan, South Korea and Indonesia.  

“it was an honour to represent New Zealand Football, just disappointed I couldn’t of got us over the line” Joshua King tweeted after the tournament. 

The team will now look to arrange a number of international friendlies as they continue to develop as New Zealand Football’s newest national team.

Article added: Monday 03 May 2021