OneFootball x Jordan Rakei: I'm still proud of frustrating New Zealand | OneFootball

As part of OneFootball's collaboration series with Shoot Music we're interviewing an artist about their love of football and, over the next few weeks, it will be all about the World Cup.

Today it's multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, producer and New Zealand fan Jordan Rakei.

How are you feeling after New Zealand's opening games against Iran & Egypt?

Mixed, honestly haha. Leading twice and coming away with a draw against Iran was a bit stinging. We could see the win right there and it slipped away, especially since we are lower ranked in the tournament. It's just frustrating we couldn't hold on!

Losing 3-1 to Egypt has maybe put us back into reality. We had a moment after that first game where there was a bit of hope and it's slipped away pretty quickly. So all we have to do is beat one of the tournament favourites now, and we’ll be good!!

How do you rate your chances of reaching the knockouts heading into the final Group G game against Belgium?

It's not looking good at the moment, but that's always the case being a NZ fan at football World Cups. I'm just proud we are in the tournament!

What's your favourite World Cup memory as a New Zealand fan?

2010 for sure. It was crazy to be the only unbeaten team in the World Cup - even the winners lost! It's our claim to fame, and has been since. 

If New Zealand are to make the knockouts, which one player do you think will be key in the final group game?

Probably Chris Wood. More experienced player and it’s possibly his last world cup, so I guess he’ll try to go out with a bang. He played great against Iran and the passing and physicality is great too. Everything felt like it was going through him. 

Who do you think will win the World Cup?

I think it has to be France or Argentina, with a potential passing of the torch moment from Messi to Mbappé. Both play exciting football. England and Germany are definitely dark horses though!

Jordan Rakei's new EP 'Between Us' is out now

You can follow him on Instagram here: @jrakz