However even when they appear set to offer a sterner check for the All Whites, it’s tough to think about the area’s heavyweights being denied a spot in subsequent yr’s showpiece.
The expanded 48-team occasion allowed Oceania automated entry and ensured this qualification route could be extra easy, not like the arduous journey to succeed in Spain in 1982 or the dramatic intercontinental playoff that supplied a ticket to South Africa in 2010.
That will likely be forgotten, although, if New Zealand do seal passage to a match co-hosted by america, Mexico and Canada. Set to remove their most gifted squad, spearheaded by one of many English Premier League’s high goalscorers, the main target then will likely be on progressing from the group stage for the primary time.
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With Wooden in any such type, it’s a sensible purpose. The Nottingham Forest striker wanted an hour to make it three objectives in back-to-back video games for the All Whites, earlier than heading for the bench after which into the stands to signal autographs with the sport ongoing.
Wooden acquired a yellow card for his benevolence however was left smiling as his facet eased into the ultimate, an consequence already probably at kickoff and made sure in little greater than half an hour.
In truth, as soon as Wooden nodded in Sarpreet Singh’s pinpoint cross within the seventh minute, any lingering doubts had been basically dispelled.
That help was a part of a very brilliant first half for Singh, discovering ample house to showcase the playmaking skills that noticed him safe a transfer from Wellington to Bayern Munich earlier than accidents disrupted each his membership and worldwide profession.
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Marko Stamenic – quickly to be Wooden’s teammate at Forest – was one other who boasted an excessive amount of class for an opposition group consisting of novice gamers, organising Singh for the second with a beautiful little bit of talent.
The midfield duo had been amongst a number of All Whites who excelled in tight areas to open up the Fijian defence, with the hosts’ passing exchanges and operating off the ball creating common alternatives.
As soon as an personal objective from defender Scott Wara was adopted by Phoenix fullback Tim Payne’s first strike for his nation since 2013, New Zealand had been in a position to shift down the gears and put together for Monday night time.
Chris Wooden celebrates scoring in opposition to Fiji. Photograph / Photosport
Coach Darren Bazeley resisted the urge to make early adjustments and was rewarded with two extra medical finishes from Wooden, the 33-year-old taking his tally to 44 objectives and boosting his all-time lead for the All Whites.
Lacking talisman Roy Krishna by way of damage, an overmatched Fiji may handle solely uncommon forays into the opposing half and did not drive a save from Max Crocombe, although the goalkeeper did watch Christopher Wasasala’s shot cannon off his put up.
Moments later, Kosta Barbarouses added a seventh objective, whereas fellow substitute Ben Waine’s missed penalty was unlikely to trigger a lot consternation forward of Monday night time.
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Even a shock loss would include a second probability for the All Whites, with the runner-up in Oceania gaining entry right into a playoff match to be held early subsequent yr.
However with Wooden decided to succeed in his second World Cup, having made his bow as a 17-year-old in South Africa, New Zealand are probably 90 minutes away from a stage befitting his abilities.
New Zealand 7 (Chris Wooden 7′, 56′, 60′, Sarpreet Singh 17′, Scott Wara og 23′, Tim Payne 33′, Kosta Barbarouses 74′)
Fiji 0
Halftime: 4-0
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Publish date : 2025-03-21 01:17:00
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