One lucky Wairarapa fan achieved his goal of taking part in an international football match yesterday.
Thirteen-year-old Corbyn Allan – a student from Opaki School – was selected by Kia New Zealand to be the official ball boy at yesterday’s Spain vs Netherlands FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-final match in Wellington.
A keen young footballer, Allan plays for the U13 Douglas Villa Titans football team.
Allan told the Times-Age it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be chosen to walk out with the ball.
“I was nervous at the start. I was a bit shaky; I didn’t know what to expect when I walked out there. But when I did, it was the best thing ever.
Meanwhile, for the first time, Spain progresses into the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup after a gruelling 2–1 win over the 2019 finalists, Netherlands.
“We went down there hoping Spain would win, so I’m happy with that,” Allan said.
When asked what team he’d like to win the World Cup, Allan replied, “That’s a tough pick,
but either Japan or Spain.”
The final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup will be played on Sunday, August 20, at the Accor Stadium in Sydney.