In an impressive display of skill and teamwork, the All Whites triumphed with a commanding 7-0 victory over Fiji during their World Cup Qualifier semifinal held in Wellington. Captain Chris Wood led the charge by scoring a hat-trick, significantly contributing to the team’s success against the Bula Boys, who were outmatched by New Zealand’s experienced squad, featuring players from European leagues, including standout Sarpreet Singh.
The scoring started early, with Wood heading in the first goal from a precise Singh cross just six minutes into the match. Shortly after, in the 17th minute, Singh himself found the net with a close-range effort, assisted by Marko Stamenic. Fiji’s chances diminished further when star player Thomas Dunn had to leave the field due to injury, complicating their offensive strategy. New Zealand continued to apply pressure, leading to an own goal by Fiji’s Scott Wara in the 23rd minute, followed by veteran Tim Payne scoring his first international goal since 2013, thanks to another assist from Singh.
By halftime, New Zealand held a commanding 4-0 lead, and they kept up the momentum after the break, with Wood scoring two more headers in the 56th and 60th minutes before being substituted for Ben Waine. Kosta Barbarouses sealed the score at 7-0 in the 73rd minute. Although Fiji hit the post with a shot from Christopher Wasasala, they could not convert any scoring opportunities.
With this dominant performance, New Zealand looks ahead to their next challenge against New Caledonia on Monday, positioning themselves just 90 minutes away from a coveted spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The All Whites are on a high from their previous match, where they defeated Samoa 8-0, marking a string of outstanding performances.
This victory not only highlights New Zealand’s capabilities in football but also ignites optimism among fans as they strive towards their World Cup goals. The cohesion and skill displayed by the team suggest they are well-prepared for the upcoming challenges, bolstering hopes for continued success in the qualifiers.
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