In a commanding display, the All Whites, led by captain Chris Wood, secured a resounding 7-0 victory over Fiji in their World Cup Qualifier semifinal in Wellington. Wood showcased his prowess by netting a hat-trick, contributing significantly to the team’s success against the Bula Boys, who struggled against the experienced New Zealand side, filled with players from European leagues, including standout Sarpreet Singh.
The scoring began swiftly with Wood heading in the first goal from a Singh delivery just six minutes into the match. Eleven minutes later, Singh himself converted a close-range effort from a pass by Marko Stamenic. The match took a turn for Fiji when star player Thomas Dunn was forced to leave due to injury, impacting their attacking options. New Zealand maintained relentless pressure, culminating in an own goal by defender Scott Wara in the 23rd minute, followed by veteran Tim Payne scoring just after the half-hour mark—his first international goal since 2013—thanks to another assist from Singh.
Leading 4-0 at halftime, New Zealand continued their assault in the second half, with Wood scoring two more headers in the 56th and 60th minutes, before making way for Ben Waine. Substitute Kosta Barbarouses capped off the scoring in the 73rd minute. Fiji managed to hit the post with a shot by Christopher Wasasala, but their efforts to score remained fruitless.
With this victory, New Zealand now sets its sights on their next challenge against New Caledonia on Monday, with just 90 minutes standing between them and a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The All Whites are riding high on momentum, having previously defeated Samoa 8-0 in their last match, showcasing a streak of dominant performances.
This significant win not only exemplifies New Zealand’s footballing strength but also fosters optimism among fans as the team progresses toward their World Cup aspirations. The team’s collective effort and skill on the pitch suggest they are well-prepared for the challenges that lie ahead, igniting hopes for continued success in the qualifiers.
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