New Zealand v New Caledonia
Thursday 24 March, 8pm (Local) | Friday 25 March, 6am (NZ)
Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha, Qatar

The All Whites come into the final Group B game after two wins and qualification to the semi-finals assured but will face a New Caledonia side desperate to get a result after two defeats so far. 

With squad members both arriving and departing camp in the run up to the game, the match should see first minutes for a number of players at the tournament. 


What Danny Hay said:

“We just want to continue our momentum, that’s pretty clear. The performance against Fiji was very good. The amount of possession we had, the amount of chances we created. I thought the way the boys played at the back led by Tommy and Winston was outstanding as well… So it’s just continuing that momentum into the semi-finals because we know that’s going to be a massive one-off game that we need to win.”


Likely All Whites Team:

With progress to the semi-finals confirmed, there are expected to be a number of changes to Danny Hay’s side.

Following the win against Fiji, seven players returned to their clubs meaning replacements will come in for Oli Sail, Clayton Lewis, Kosta Barbarouses and Ben Waine who all started the last match. 

In the pre-match press conference Hay confirmed that Tommy Smith will start as captain, with Winston Reid rested. Smith will earn his 45th cap and continue as the only player to have played a role in each of Danny Hay’s eight All Whites games. 


Key Player To Watch: Joris Kenon

Voted Player of the Match in New Caledonia’s defeat against Papua New Guinea, the midfielder had an outstanding game and will be one to watch. 

Playing in France for Cognac, the 24 year old has an eye for goal, scoring 5 in 7 games for New Caledonia at U17 level. 


How To Watch:

In Aotearoa New Zealand you can watch the game live on Sky Sport NZ. 

For the rest of the world visit OFC’s website for broadcaster details. 

Article added: Thursday 24 March 2022