FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Oceania Qualifiers

New Zealand overcome tough Tahiti challenge to book final spot

New Zealand boss Danny Hay made several changes to the side that faced New Caledonia last time out, with just Matt Garbett and Callum McCowatt remaining from the 11 who started the 7-1 win. Meanwhile, Samuel Garcia made just the one change to the Tahiti team that lost 3-1 to the Solomon Islands, Mauri Heitaa coming in at left-back.

The plan from the All Whites was obvious from the start, looking to retain possession and stretch the game with their wing-backs Cacace and Niko Kirwan.