A stellar performance by striker Chris Wood propelled New Zealand to an impressive 8-0 victory against Samoa in the final Group B match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania Qualifiers. Wood’s hat-trick not only showcased his scoring prowess but also highlighted New Zealand’s dominance in the match.
The Samoan team, coached by Jess Ibrom and ranked 186th in the FIFA World Rankings, faced a formidable challenge against the All Whites, who hold a 91st place ranking. New Zealand’s offensive strategy was evident from the start, but Samoa proved resilient, making it difficult for the Kiwis to find the net initially.
In the opening minutes, Marko Stamenic fired three shots that forced Samoan goalkeeper Pele Fatu into making impressive saves. It took until the 24th minute for New Zealand to break the deadlock, with Callum McCowatt scoring his fourth international goal after Fatu saved a shot from Matt Garbett.
The floodgates opened shortly after, as Wood scored his 39th and 40th international goals before halftime, setting the stage for a second-half display that would see New Zealand tally four more. Following the break, Wood added another to his record with a volley, and Marco Stamenic, Francis de Vries, Elijah Just, and Ben Waine all contributed to the commanding scoreline.
New Zealand’s next challenge will be against Fiji, the Group A runners-up, in the semi-finals scheduled for next March. Meanwhile, New Caledonia and Tahiti will compete in the other semi-final match.
This dominant victory not only showcases the strength of New Zealand’s national team but also raises hopes for their journey in the upcoming matches as they continue their pursuit of World Cup qualification. The performance is a strong signal of their capability and readiness for the challenges ahead.
Leave a comment