New Zealand aims to confirm a first-place finish in its World Cup 2022 Qualifying group when it takes on New Caledonia in Qatar on Thursday, with kickoff at 8 pm.
New Zealand, who went into this tournament as heavy favourites, kicked off their World Cup Qualifying group by defeating Papua New Guinea 1-0, with Ben Waine scoring the lone goal in the 75th minute.
They then met Fiji on Monday, and Danny Hay’s side won 4-0 in Qatar thanks to Chris Wood’s second-half header, a Chris Wood brace in the 60th and 61st minutes, and an injury-time penalty kick by Clayton Lewis.
That leaves them atop the group heading into their final game and puts them in a solid position to qualify for the final round.
The All Whites will be given a favourable draw in the final stage of qualification for the World Cup after clinching second place in Group A. They take on New Caledonia, who were eliminated following defeats against Fiji and the All Whites.
Losing both games has disadvantaged them, but they first met Fiji, who took the lead through Sairusi Nalaubu.
However, Jordan Wetere scored an equalising goal late in the game to earn his side a draw. The game was decided in extra time, and ultimately it was Nalaubu who scored again to give Fiji the win.
New Zealand vs New Caledonia Head to Head
Both sides have seven games against each other, with hosts taking six wins while visitors with one win. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- New Zealand 4-0 Fiji
- New Guinea 0-1 New Zealand
- Jordan 3-1 New Zealand
- New Zealand 2-0 the Gambia
- Bahrain 0-1 New Zealand
Away
- New Guinea 1-0 New Caledonia
- New Caledonia 1-2 Fiji
- New Caledonia 1-1 Estonia
- Fiji 1-2 New Caledonia
- Fiji 2-2 New Caledonia
New Zealand Team News
The hosts will rely on a strong defense, with Winston Reid leading from its heart. Chris Wood is their star in attack, as the Newcastle United forward continues to hold the top spot for New Zealand’s all-time scoring record.
New Caledonia Team News
Visitors will be without defender Jean-Luc Decoire, suspended after receiving a red card in the dying moments of a match against Papua New Guinea. Joel Wakanumune and captain Emile Bearune, who played for the national team 41 and 39 times, respectively, offer experience at the back.
Prediction and Odds
New Caledonia has come close in their first two games, but they will be outclassed tonight.
- New Zealand Win
- Goals Over 2.5
- Most Goals: 2H
