All Whites Dominate Samoa

New Zealand Secures 8-0 Victory in Final Group Match of Oceania World Cup Qualifiers

The All Whites delivered a commanding 8-0 win over Samoa at Mt Smart Stadium, led by Chris Wood’s hat-trick and a standout team performance in the Oceania World Cup qualifiers.

Dominance Meets Determination: All Whites vs. Samoa

In their final group-stage match of the Oceania World Cup qualifiers, the All Whites displayed their attacking prowess against a spirited Samoan team. The result was a comprehensive 8-0 victory for New Zealand, but Samoa’s determination and resilience won the hearts of fans.

The All Whites benefitted from an excellent performance by captain Chris Wood, who scored three goals, bringing his international tally to 41. Supporting contributions came from Callum McCowatt, Marko Stamenic, Frances de Vries, Elijah Just, and Ben Waine.

Despite the scoreline, Samoa’s resolute defensive effort ensured the match was far from a one-sided affair.

A Game of Contrasts

New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley made seven changes to the lineup that defeated Vanuatu on Friday, rotating his squad for the final group game. Notable inclusions saw Sarpreet Singh returning to the starting XI for the first time since June, Alex Paulsen debuting in goal, and Frances de Vries anchoring the backline.

From the kickoff, Samoa adopted a defensive stance, with all 11 players often behind the ball. The underdog approach was understandable given Samoa’s challenges—a squad largely comprised of amateur players competing against a polished New Zealand side.

Heroic goalkeeping from Pele Fatu and dogged defending kept Samoa in the game early. It took the All Whites 23 minutes to break through, with McCowatt capitalizing on a rebound. Chris Wood added two more before halftime, giving New Zealand a comfortable 3-0 lead.

Second-Half Flourish

The All Whites struggled to find rhythm in the opening minutes of the second half, but Wood’s emphatic volley in the 60th minute reignited their momentum. Stamenic, whose mother is Samoan, provided a special moment by scoring against his ancestral nation.

De Vries and Just added to the tally, while Ben Waine sealed the victory with a stoppage-time penalty after De Vries was fouled in the box.

Samoa, ranked 186th in the world, had their own moments of celebration, including their first shot on target and an attacking free kick, drawing applause from the crowd.

Looking Ahead

The All Whites now shift focus to their semifinal clash against Fiji in Wellington on March 21, with hopes of advancing to the final at Eden Park on March 24. Samoa, meanwhile, can hold their heads high after an inspiring campaign, demonstrating the growth and potential of football in the Pacific region.

Source:NZHERALD