New Zealand has secured a place in the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania Qualifiers after demonstrating a commanding performance against Fiji, winning the semi-final match 7-0 in Auckland. The All Whites exhibited their strength on the field, with forward Chris Wood leading the charge by scoring an impressive hat-trick.
From the start, New Zealand leveraged their speed and tactical plays to outmaneuver the Fijian defense in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. The scoring began with Wood’s well-timed header from a cross delivered by Sarpreet Singh, giving the Kiwis an early advantage. Just ten minutes later, Singh increased the lead by netting his own goal, courtesy of an assist from Marko Stamenic.
Despite Fiji’s attempts to respond, the team struggled to establish momentum, with New Zealand’s defense effectively neutralizing any offensive threats. The All Whites extended their lead further with an own goal from Fiji’s Scott Wara, following a cross from Tim Payne. Payne then scored himself, marking his first international goal since 2013, making the score 4-0 by halftime.
In the second half, New Zealand maintained their attacking momentum, with Wood continuing to shine by adding two more goals, bringing the total to 6-0. Late in the game, Kosta Barbarouses capped off the scoring with a goal assisted by substitute Francis De Vries. Although Fiji came close to scoring with a shot that hit the post, the All Whites effectively countered any potential comeback.
With this notable victory, New Zealand is now preparing to face New Caledonia in the finals, aiming to continue their strong performance in the World Cup qualification process. The team’s recent success, including an earlier 8-0 win over Samoa, reflects their strong attacking capabilities and depth, instilling hope and excitement among fans as they seek to secure a spot in the World Cup.
This dominant performance not only boosts the team’s confidence but also solidifies their standing as a formidable opponent in the Oceania region, paving the way for potential further achievements in the qualifiers.
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