New Zealand have beaten Fiji 1-0 to qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup in Chile.
The win takes New Zealand into Thursday’s final at the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Apia, Samoa.
A Ryan Watson goal early in the second half was the difference between the sides.
Main photo: Teammates congratulate Ryan Watson (right) after he scored the game’s only goal. Photo credit: OFC Media / DJ Mills / Phototek.
The semi-final took most of the first period to spring into life.
Fiji gave an excellent account of themselves in the opening half, enjoying more of the possession and getting into threatening areas.
Ibraheem Afazal was a constant threat down the right side and almost gave his side the lead when his rasping effort from the right side of the penalty area was well-saved by Alby Kelly-Heald.
Afazal had the only other notable chance of the half with the last kick before the break.
His free-kick from 25 metres curled harmlessly over the bar, and the teams headed to the dressing rooms at 0-0.
What the first half lacked in excitement, the second delivered with immediate effect.
Within minutes of the restart, New Zealand got the goal they were desperate for.
Ryan Watson swept the ball home from just inside the box after Fiji failed to deal with a corner.
Marika Rodu’s side were given the perfect opportunity to level almost immediately when a handball inside the New Zealand box saw a penalty awarded.
Aidan Malakai Singh took the responsibilities but his effort was saved well by Kelly-Heald, who got down well to his right.
Fiji were then denied by the offside flag, when Eparama Moraica finished well, only to see the assistant referee’s flag raised.
With a lead to protect, head coach Chris Greenacre’s New Zealand side grew into the game more confidently as the second period wore on, controlling much of the possession and stifling Fijian efforts to work a way back into the semi-final.
Nathan Walker was brought on and almost gave his side breathing space in the closing stages.
Picking up the ball in his own half, the winger ran half the length of the field but his well-hit effort was palmed to safety by Ilisoni Koro.
At the other end, as the clock ran down, a Fiji set-piece presented William Khan with a golden opportunity to equalise but the central defender headed over the bar.
A second New Zealand goal wasn’t needed, however, and they held on to secure a place in the final against New Caledonia on Thursday and earn their place at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
As finalists, New Zealand and New Caledonia will represent Oceania at the World Cup tournament.
Fiji will take on Solomon Islands in the play-off for third place on Thursday at 10am (NZT), ahead of the final at 1pm (NZT).
WATCH: Coach Chris Greenacre’s reaction after semi-final win against Fiji >>>>
WATCH: Highlights from New Zealand’s 1-0 semi-final win against Fiji >>>>
READ MORE: New Caledonia win semi-final in extra time at OFC U-19 Men’s Championship >>>>
Acknowledgement
We are grateful for the help of OFC Media in providing information for this story.
Results
Games played on Monday July 15, 2024
Semi-finals
New Zealand 1 (Ryan Watson 48′)
Fiji 0
WATCH: Highlights from New Zealand’s 1-0 semi-final win against Fiji >>>>
Full match replay:
Solomon Islands 2 (Gordon Iro 37′, Jimson Abana 45+4′)
New Caledonia 3 (Paul Qaeze 27′, Antoine Simane 86′, Kapone Xulue 118′)
*After extra time
Fixture
Game to be played on Thursday July 18, 2024
Final
New Caledonia v New Zealand
FFS Football Stadium, Apia, Samoa, 1pm (NZT)
This story was first published on July 15, 2024.
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