{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/6a77755b769f96ab45fd832d/6a834bb191aa41f304fd32fc?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Auckland City FC — The Amateurs Who Keep Reaching the World","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/6a77755b769f96ab45fd832d/1787254354440-703780bf-7e81-4e28-931a-ce97c8f66be7.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p><strong>Auckland City FC, the OFC Champions League and New Zealand football</strong> are the focus of this episode of <em>Why We Love This Club</em>, exploring how an amateur, membership-run club became the most successful team in Oceania.</p><p><br></p><p>Founded in 2004 and rooted in Auckland’s Croatian immigrant football community, <strong>Auckland City FC</strong> have won 13 OFC Champions League titles and repeatedly represented Oceania at the <strong>FIFA Club World Cup</strong>. Chris traces the club’s remarkable 2014 run to third place, featuring <strong>Ivan Vicelich, Ryan De Vries and Ramón Tribulietx</strong>, and its unforgettable 2025 Club World Cup draw with <strong>Boca Juniors</strong> after matches against Bayern Munich and Benfica.</p><p><br></p><p>The episode also explores the club’s home at <strong>Kiwitea Street</strong>, links to Central United, volunteer-driven structure, dominance of New Zealand football and rivalry with <strong>Wellington Olympic</strong>.</p><p><br></p><p>Current figures including <strong>Rudy Mozr, Regont Murati, Gerard Garriga and Angus Kilkolly</strong> help carry forward a club whose players still balance football with jobs and study.</p><p><br></p><p>Auckland City’s story is about how community, continuity and amateur football can still reach the world stage.</p>","author_name":"Underdog Podcasts"}