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New Zealand’s World Cup dream may be over after a 5-1 defeat to Belgium in their final group match on Saturday, but Prebbleton’s Finn Surman is among the few All Whites to have emerged from the tournament with an enhanced reputation.
The defender, who grew up in the district and played for Selwyn United until he was 15, started all three of the All Whites’ group games and opened the scoring with a thumping header in the 3-1 defeat to Egypt.
The goal made him just the sixth New Zealander to score at a FIFA World Cup.
After the group stage, Surman also led the tournament for blocked shots, with nine.
The 22-year-old plies his trade for American side Portland Timbers in the MLS, after joining from the Wellington Phoenix in 2024.
His performances at the tournament could attract interest from European clubs, with the transfer window open until September 1.
All Whites coach Darren Bazeley singled out Surman alongside Elijah Just, who scored three goals, and midfielder Marko Stamenić as players who had boosted their standing.
“I’m sure some players have come out of this tournament really well: Eli, Stamenić, Surman, they’re going to get moves to top leagues, and that’ll help make us a better team, because they’ll be regularly playing against better opposition,” he said.
Surman will return to Portland when the MLS season resumes on July 17.