Posa Returns For SL Benfica Match In Orlando

After a punishing 10-0 loss to Bayern Munich, the New Zealand side now face Portuguese powerhouse SL Benfica at Orlando’s Inter&Co Stadium on June 20, in what could be a defining moment in Group C.

Striker Myer Bevan, speaking after training in Chattanooga struck a tone of quiet determination: “We’ve just got to move past that now and focus on the two games ahead.”

The mood in camp is focused, not defeated. There’s an understanding that while the odds are steep, the opportunity to compete on this stage is one they won’t take for granted.

SL Benfica, meanwhile, arrive in Orlando after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Boca Juniors.

Their attacking quality is undeniable, Angel Di Maria, Nicolas Otamendi, and Vangelis Pavlidis bring UEFA Champions League pedigree.

Bevan singled out Benfica’s stars with admiration: “Di Maria, obviously… and Otamendi - players like this have experienced the highest level for a very long time.”

But he also hinted at a tactical opening: “Maybe there’s more space behind them… hopefully we can go at them as well as them coming at us.”

Also bolstering the club’s ranks is the return to the dugout of head coach Paul Posa who is back after a minor surgical procedure prevented him from travelling with the team on 2 June.

The draw between SL Benfica and Boca Juniors means goal difference could be decisive, and the Navy Blues will be hoping they may find more room to operate if SL Benfica push forward aggressively.

This isn’t just about survival, it’s about showing they belong. Auckland City FC know they’re underdogs, but they’ve been here before. And in Orlando, under the Florida sun, they’ll look to write a new chapter, one built on resilience, not reputation.

Match Details
FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP™ – Group C
SL Benfica vs Auckland City FC
Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, FL
Friday, 20 June 2025, 12:00PM (Local Time) – Sat, 21 June 2025, 4:00 AM (NZT)
 

AC SQUAD: 1. Conor TRACEY (GK) 2. Mario ILICH (C) 3. Adam MITCHELL 4. Christian GRAY 5. Nikko BOXALL, 6. Jackson MANUEL 7. Myer BEVAN 8. Gerard GARRIGA 9. Angus KILKOLLY 10. Dylan MANICKUM 11. Ryan DE VRIES 12. Regont MURATI 13. Nathan LOBO 14. Jordan VALE, 15. Jeremy FOO, 16. Joe LEE 17. Jerson LAGOS 18. Sebastian CIGANDA (GK) 19. Dylan CONNOLLY, 20. Matt ELLIS, 21. Adam KANUI BELL 22. Tong ZHOU 23. Alfie ROGERS, 24. Nathan GARROW (GK) 25. Michael DEN HEIJER, 26. David YOO, 27. Haris ZEB.
 

HEAD COACH: Paul POSA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH

ASSISTANT COACH: Adria CASALS

ASSISTANT COACH: Daewook KIM

GOALKEEPER COACH: Jonas HOFFMANN

TECHNICAL ANALYST: Malte THESENVITZ

PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE

PHYSIO: Zara ELLIS

PHYSIO: Natalia KOSINSKA

TEAM DOCTOR: Craig PANTHER

TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON

How to Watch the FIFA Club World Cup™on DAZN

DAZN is offering free access to all FIFA Club World Cup™ matches. Here’s how you can tune in:

Sign up for a free DAZN account – Simply register with your email address. No hidden costs or fees.

Download the DAZN App – Available on your TV, phone, tablet, or streaming device via your app store.

Watch on a laptop or PC – Visit www.DAZN.com

Log in – Select “Get Started” or “Log In” and enter your email address.

Enjoy the matches – You now have access to all of DAZN’s free content, including the FIFA Club World Cup™.

Note: If you are already a DAZN subscriber or Freemium member, the competition is included in your current membership.

Be part of the FIFA Club World Cup™ action and get your tickets here

If you want to catch every kick of the ball then sign up to DAZN NZ to stream our FCWC matches live and free!

About AUCKLAND CITY FC: Auckland City FC plays in the New Zealand domestic football competition (Northern League, National League Championship and Chatham Cup) and Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Champions League from its whenua at Kiwitea Street in Sandringham, Auckland and was founded in 2004.

Photo Credit: www.phototek.co.nz

This media release can also be read as: www.aucklandcityfc.com

© Scoop Media