Goalscorer James Bulkeley says New Zealand’s U-20 men’s side will learn much from their two-match trip to Chile.
“I think we did well today,” Bulkeley said after Chile’s 2-1 win in the second match of the two-match series used to help both sides prepare for the FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup later this year.
“Obviously, they were the better team, at the end of the day, but there’s a lot to learn for the boys,” the defender said.
Bulkeley scored New Zealand’s goal in the match at Estadio Bicentenario de La Florida, Santiago, heading home from a corner in the 52nd minute.
Chile won the first game in the series, with a 3-1 win behind closed doors on Thursday.
The two countries will face each other in their group at the World Cup, to be hosted by Chile.
“I think we’ve got 100 days, or something like that, to the World Cup, so we’re really excited to play them in the opening game,” Bulkeley told broadcasters Chilevision.
About the 2-1 loss, Bulkeley said he thought New Zealand played well.
“There was a lot of chances that we could have had in the final third, and it’s just being more clinical with those final (third) chances, and I think if those come off, it’s a different result today.”
Bulkeley said the locals had been hospitable.
“It was good to get out here in Chile.”
READ MORE: Chile overcome New Zealand in closely-fought U-20 men’s international >>>>
WATCH: Full game replay of New Zealand mens’ U-20 game against Chile >>>>
Main photo: James Bulkeley … ‘We need to be more clinical.’
The New Zealand U-20 squad … will learn from their games in Chile.
Results
Game played on Sunday June 8, 2025 (NZT)
Chile U-20 2 (Joaquín Silva 9′, Juan Francisco Rossel 47′)
New Zealand U-20 1 (James Bulkeley 52′)
Game played on Thursday June 5, 2025 (NZT)
Chile U-20 3 (Nicolás Carcamo, own goal, Rodrigo Vásquez)
New Zealand U-20 1 (Luke Brooke-Smith)
This story was first published on June 8, 2025.