New Zealand beat Tahiti 1-0 en route to their first World Cup appearance since 2010 – now they face the Solomon Islands in the Oceania World Cup qualifying final
It was the expected match between New Zealand and Tahiti from the start. The visitors retreated deep into their own half and let the All Whites have the ball – but the home side could do little against the tight defence. It was not until the 29th minute that Garbett headed over the goal from five metres out.
Seven minutes later, Newcastle striker Wood took centre stage for the first time – but his header flew wide of the goal on the left. As Tahiti continued to defend passionately and New Zealand failed to find any gaps, it remained a goalless draw at the interval.
New Zealand’s corner kicks create danger
In the second half, New Zealand were particularly dangerous from set pieces. Firstly, Reid headed the ball towards goal after a scrum following a corner kick – Tahiti goalkeeper Teamotuaitau was in the right place to prevent the deficit (48th), then Heitaa scrambled Tuiloma’s header off the line for his already beaten goalkeeper (55th).
After that, it took a while before the All Whites scored a redemptive goal. Cacece, who plays for FC Empoli, scored from close range (70.). It was almost even more bitter from Tahiti’s point of view. However, Tuiloma headed only on the goal net (73rd).
Since Tahiti remained true to their tactics despite the deficit and continued to set up two four-man lines in front of their own penalty area, Wood & Co. had no difficulty in keeping the 1-0 lead.
This puts New Zealand into the Oceania World Cup qualifying final, which will be played next Wednesday (6pm). The Solomon Islands, who defeated Papua New Guinea in the semi-finals, will be waiting there.
