Auckland City have been beaten 2-1 by South American champions San Lorenzo after extra time in their football Club World Cup semi-final in Morocco, Radio New Zealand reports.
Well played @AucklandCity_FC, part-timers mixing it with the South American fancy boys. @Cristiano Ronaldo is denied his ultimate test.
— James McOnie (@JamesMcOnie) December 17, 2014
The Argentinean side scored through striker Mauro Matos in the third minute of extra time to retake the lead after the match finished tied 1-all in Marrakech.
Auckland defender Angel Berlanga fired a superbly struck shot into the back of the South American champion's net midway through the second half, scoring with the narrowest of angles to work with to draw level with the Argentinean side.
Goooooooooal @AucklandCity_FC! 1-1 and Kiwitea St erupts! Terrific finish from tight angle @ONENewsNZ pic.twitter.com/0fATZrLPxP
— Chris Chang (@ChrisChang_nz) December 17, 2014
City earlier conceded a goal on the stroke of half-time after San Lorenzo's midfielder Pablo Barrientos beat the Auckland goalkeeper Tamati Williams with a strong shot in the second minute of first half injury time.
San Lorenzo will face Spanish Giants and European Champions Real Madrid in the final, with the tournament victors set to claim a massive $6.4 million in prize money.
Auckland are guaranteed to pick up at least $2.5 million, though they could increase their winnings to $3.2 million if they win the third place playoff against Mexican side Cruz Azul.
