New Zealand’s campaign to qualify for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup is off to a winning start.
The All Whites have beaten Tahiti 3-0 in their opening Group B game of the World Cup Oceania qualifier series in Vanuatu.
Main photo: Chris Wood is congratulated by Player of the Match Alex Rufer after scoring New Zealand’s second goal.
Facing hot and humid conditions, and with Europe-based players still recovering from their long flights, New Zealand clearly set out to control the game without sapping their energy.
After taking an early lead, the All Whites could afford to play without a sense of urgency and while providing a ho-hum level of entertainment, their game management ensured there was only going to be one winner.
New Zealand took the lead after only 91 seconds.
Midfielder Alex Rufer threaded a ball through to Eli Just who cut inside and struck a curling left-footed shot into the far top corner of the Tahitian goal.
Ben Old shaved the post with a shot but that was the closest New Zealand came to extending their lead in the first half.
When the second half started, the Tahitians looked for a way back into the game but the All Whites kept things tight, with Player of the Match Rufer and Marko Stamenich anchoring a safety-first midfield.
New Zealand took control with their second goal, scored in the 68th minute,
Substitute Sam Sutton sent an inswinging corner to beyond the far post where skipper Chris Wood had been left unmarked.
The striker powered his header inside the far post to claim his 35th goal for his country.
Head coach Darren Bazeley worked his bench, carefully managing the game time for his key players.
In the 89th minute, substitute Ben Waine finished the scoring for his side.
A cross into the box was nudged ahead by midfielder Matt Garbett, allowing Waine to swivel and shoot into the net.
The goal maintains Waine’s impressive goalscoring record for his country, with the Mansfield Town forward now having found the net seven times in 19 international appearances.
Result
Game played on Friday October 11, 2024
New Zealand 3 (Eli Just 2’, Chris Wood 68’, Ben Waine 89’)
Tahiti 0
Group A
New Caledonia and Fiji were first-day winners as the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup Oceania qualifiers got underway in Suva.
READ MORE: New Caledonia and Fiji off to winning starts in FIFA World Cup qualifier series >>>>
Line-ups
New Zealand
Max Crocombe, Tim Payne (Storm Roux 72’), Nando Pijnaker, Tyler Bindon, Matt Garbett, Marko Stamenic, Chris Wood (Logan Rogerson 76’), Elijah Just (Ben Waine 64’), Liberato Cacace (Sam Sutton 64’), Alex Rufer, Ben Old (Kosta Barbarouses 72’).
Subs not used: Michael Boxall, Cameron Howieson, Alex Paulsen, Tommy Smith, Oliver Sail.
Yellow card: Bindon.
Tahiti
Francois Decoret, Matatia Paama, Alvin Tehau, Pothin Poma, Roonui Tehau, Benoit Mathon (Franck Matai Papaura 88’), Teaonui Tehau, Téva Pierre David Lossec, Taumihau Tiatia (Manol Shan 72’), Mauri Heitaa (Francois Hapipi 45’), Eddy Kaspard.
Subs not used: Tevaearai Tamatai, Vehia Tetuaroa, Rautea Vongue, Manuarii Paehau.
Yellow card: Paama.
Officials
Referee: Médéric Lacour (New Caledonia)
Assistant referees: Bertrand Brial (New Caledonia), Folio Moeaki (Tonga)
Fourth official: David Yareboinen (Papua New Guinea)
Fixtures
Game to be played on Monday October 14, 2024
North Harbour Stadium, Albany, 7pm
November
Game to be played on Friday November 15, 2024
FIFA World Cup 2026 – OFC Qualifier
New Zealand v Vanuatu
FMG Stadium Waikato, Kirikiriroa Hamilton, 7.30pm
Game to be played on Monday November 18, 2024
New Zealand v OFC Qualifier Round One Winner (Samoa)
Go Media Stadium, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, 7.30pm
This story was first published on October 11, 2024.
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