New Zealand on brink of World Cup playoffs after Fiji win

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:46 am

New Zealand need just a point from their final group game against Fiji to book their place in the Oceania World Cup qualifying playoff.

After picking up four points from their games with Solomon Islands in November, the All Whites knew that the same return from this week's double-header against Fiji would give them an unassailable lead at the top of Group A.

A 2-0 away win in Lautoka on Saturday now means they will be through with a draw in the return fixture in Wellington on Tuesday.

Chris Wood and Marco Rojas scored the goals in quick succession after half-time.

Wood scored from the spot in the 48th minute after a handball, and seven minutes later Rojas robbed goalkeeper Beniamino Mateinaqara of the ball to score.

Group B is currently headed by Tahiti at the half-way stage. The two group winners will play off before meeting the fifth-placed nation in South America for a place in the World Cup finals.