Orlando Pirates’ attacker Andre de Jong came on for the last 10 minutes of Friday’s friendly international for New Zealand against Finland in Auckland, hoping to have left enough of an impression to strengthen his chances of going to the World Cup.
De Jong has made no secret of his desire to make New Zealand’s 26-man squad for the World Cup in North America, where the All Whites will play against Belgium, Egypt and Iran in their group, saying previously he hopes January’s move from Stellenbosch to Pirates was an effort to bolster his chances.
The 29-year-old won a recall to the Kiwi squad last year after a three-year absence, but before Friday he had played in only one of the four matches he had been called up for. He was a second-half substitute in a friendly against Poland in October when he played for 18 minutes.
De Jong travelled with the New Zealand squad to the US in November for friendlies against Colombia and Ecuador but frustratingly was not used.
On Friday, he was one of a late triple change by coach Darren Bazeley as he won his 13th cap.
Finland beat New Zealand 2-0 at Eden Park in Auckland with goals in either half of their FIFA Series match. The Kiwis play again on Monday against Chile, also in Auckland, after which De Jong will make the long trip home to be back for Pirates’ next fixture in the Betway Premiership at home to Lamontville Golden Arrows on Tuesday, April 7.