New Zealand face a make-or-break game in the early hours of tomorrow morning as they seek to secure a spot in the knock-out stages of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup.
Brentford goalkeeper Nik Tzanev is in the New Zealand squad for the tournament, which is about to enter its second week.
He was on the bench as New Zealand, who are hosting the tournament, started their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Ukraine last Saturday, 30 May, and again when they lost to USA on Tuesday, 2 June.
New Zealand’s final game of the group stage is against Myanmar tomorrow, Friday 5 June, at 8am.
New Zealand must win to have any chance of making the last 16.
The top two in each group will make the knock-out stages and New Zealand need a big goal difference swing in their favour, coupled with USA beating Ukraine, to take second spot.
However, four points and a good goal difference could see them qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
Nik, 18, was born in Wellington and moved to England in 2006.
He was first-choice goalkeeper for Brentford’s Youth Team in 2014/15, playing 19 games as The Bees reached the final of the Under-18 Professional Development League.
Nik has also played two games for the Development Squad this term.
He was named Youth Team Player of the Year and has been offered a professional contract for 2015/16.