BY TONY IROGA
New Zealand is now moving on to the third stage of the qualifiers after beating Solomon Islands with a 8-0 victory at the National Stadium yesterday.
In yesterday’s face off, New Zealand continued to press relentlessly, and Foster’s shot was deflected into the net off Pia Vlok, giving Vlok her first goal for the Football Fans.
Milly Clegg added the final goal of the match, tapping in Lancaster’s precise cross to seal a comprehensive victory.
According to OFC, the result saw New Zealand maintain their dominance form in Oceania and now qualifies for Round 3 of the OFC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.
Grace Jale opened the scoring for New Zealand in the second half, finishing a move with a powerful strike to add the fourth goal.
Just moments later, Hannah Blake volleyed in a perfectly timed cross from Lancaster to extend the lead further, with Solomon Islands scrambling in defence.
Blake then completed her hat-trick after rounding goalkeeper Kofela, showing her composure and finishing ability in front of goal.
The second half began with New Zealand continuing to dominate possession, but Solomon Islands showed great discipline and resilience in defence, frustrating the Football Ferns with organised blocking and timely clearances.
They were able to hold New Zealand at bay for a period, keeping the scoreline unchanged and giving themselves a brief respite.
New Zealand, gradually found more space as fatigue began to affect the Solomon Islands players, allowing the hosts to start breaking through the defensive lines more often.
New Zealand will face fellow undefeated team, American Samoa, on Thursday while Solomon Islands will take on Samoa on the same day.
Photo credit: Tony Iroga
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