The All Whites have beaten OFC Nations Cup finalists Vanuatu 8-1 in a dominant display to mark their first-ever full international fixture in Kirikiriroa Hamilton.

The win at FMG Stadium Waikato sees New Zealand move to the top of Group B in FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying, securing a place in March’s semi-finals in Wellington.

Head coach Darren Bazeley named a full-strength side for the match, with two Hamilton locals—Logan Rogerson and Premier League Player of the Month Chris Wood—starting in the lineup.

The All Whites started strongly in front of a 10,113-strong crowd and, within 10 minutes, took the lead.

A Vanuatu pass was intercepted by Matt Garbett on the edge of the box who controlled it with one touch before firing an absolute rocket past Vanuatu goalkeeper Dick Sablan.

The strike continued Garbett’s rich vein of form, having scored in his last three home internationals.

Six minutes later, the ball was in the back of the net again, but under freak circumstances.

Vanuatu attacker Jordy Tasip found himself in space just inside the box, and his cross/shot looped over Max Crocombe in the All Whites goal to level the scores, triggering jubilation on the Vanuatu bench.

With the game tied, the All Whites immediately responded, upping the tempo.

If there’s one man you want when you need a goal, it’s hard to look past Chris Wood, who has been in superb form over the past month.

A well-placed corner from Libby Cacace found the head of Wood, and the All Whites captain powered home to put the team back in front.

Less than a minute later, Wood had his second.

Great wing play by Matt Garbett saw him beat his man and whip in a cross, finding Wood at the back post for his 38th All Whites goal.

Garbett was again the provider in the 32nd minute, as his long-range shot was redirected into the net from close range by Tyler Bindon for his first-ever All Whites goal.

Bindon thought he had his second a few minutes later, as the All Whites once again found the back of the net to make it five goals in 37 minutes, however, the officials ruled it an own goal.

After the break, the All Whites continued to dominate, introducing substitutes Joe Bell and Sarpreet Singh, who had missed the October home fixtures.

In the 74th minute, Eli Just made it 6-1 with a brilliant solo run that took him past the Vanuatu defence before finishing precisely into the bottom corner.

With under 10 minutes remaining, Sarpreet Singh scored his second-ever All Whites goal. 

Some neat passing work between Cacace and Garbett set up Singh, who finished with a powerful shot across the keeper.

Singh turned from scorer to provider minutes later, delivering a perfectly placed cross for substitute Callum McCowatt to make it 8-1—marking the All Whites’ biggest win in over 20 years.

Darren Bazeley’s side will next face Samoa on Monday at Go Media Stadium, where they will look to claim all three points and finish the international window with three wins from three.

Final Score:

All Whites – 8
Vanuatu – 1

Article added: Friday 15 November 2024