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NZL vs VAN
OFC Nations Cup
VFF Freshwater Stadium, Port Vila
New Zealand
vs
Vanuatu
3
FT
0
Action
Lineups
All
Facts Only
All
Full-Time: 3 - 0
The All Whites have secured a record-extending sixth OFC Men's Nations Cup title with a comfortable win over Vanuatu in the final, and a dominant campaign overall. Make sure you join us again on Tribe throughout the rest of this stacked international period, with the Euros and the Copa America both still in progress. It's been a pleasure bringing you all the action from this special occasion in Port Vila this afternoon. For now, Harrison Ryburn signing out.
Attention now turns towards the Olympic Games, where Darren Bazeley will lead the Olywhites in a group also containing hosts France, the USA, and Guinea. Many of those in action today will be key men throughout that campaign, and Bazeley also has the ability to call upon three over-23 players. In terms of the All Whites, they'll return to action in September with two big tests against Mexico and the USA.
It's a similar final result to the one that Vanuatu suffered in their group clash with New Zealand nine days ago, but they were much improved today, and have a lot to be proud about from this campaign. Juliano Schmeling's side made history in this tournament, reaching the final of the OFC Nations Cup for the first time. They were a lot better defensively today as well, setting up in a midfield block and creating a decent platform to catch out New Zealand on the counter. Unfortunately they lacked the quality to piece together any real attacks going forward, but will take heart from their ability to limit New Zealand to just one goal heading into the final ten minutes. Timothy Boulet's dismisal undoubtedly had a big effect, leaving them exposed to the New Zealand counter that saw Jesse Randall score the second goal of the final late on. They were slowly gaining the ascendesncy when he was sent off, and Schmeling will be disappointed with the loss of discipline. Nevertheless this is a campaign worth celebrating, and Vanuatu are in a good place to contest for one of the top two spots in the upcoming OFC World Cup qualifiers.
It's another OFC Nations Cup title for New Zealand, and this one may arguably be considered as one of their best. They didn't concede a single goal across their four games, scoring 15 in the process, and dominating from start to finish across the entirety of their campaign. Particuarly pleasing for Bazeley will be the fact that's he been able to hand out six new international caps and gain a thorough look at some of the players on the fringes of his squad, whilst also developing cohesion and relationships amongst those under-23 players set to feature at the upcoming Olympics. Again they were calm and composed in the final today, dictating play and slowing the game down to stifle their opponents. They were forced to work a little harder as Vanuatu sat further back inside their own half, but they eventually broke through with two late goals. Jesse Randall was heavily influential in that late surge, scoring his first international goal and setting up one for Max Mata, as he made his mark in the final game of the tournament. Bindon and Surman were also excellent at the back again, whilst captain Cacace was brilliant from left-back once more.
Fulltime in Port Vila and New Zealand have secured a record sixth OFC Men's Nations Cup title with a comfortable three-goal victory over Vanuatu in the final. Cameron Howieson opened the scoring inside the first two minutes to stun this vocal Port Vila crowd, but there were a few nerves for the All Whites until Timothy Boulet was sent off, and Jesse Randall and Max Mata sealed the deal with goals late on. Vanuatu were valiant and gutsy in their maiden Nations Cup final appearance, but the skill and quality of this young New Zealand squad eventually shone through to continue their continental dominance.
90+5'
Into the closing moments and Vanuatu win a free kick in the centre of the attacking half. It's launched long into the box, but New Zealand head away with ease. The ball comes back out for Tangis to win a corner on the left, but his delivery into the near post is headed clear again.
90+1'
MATA ADDS A THIRD! NEW ZEALAND HAVE BLOWN IT OUT! The bench has had a big say for the All Whites late on, and they've added two goals to pull out to another convincing winning margin! Cacace comes forward down the left flank again, before slipping a pass in-behind the defence for Randall down the left-hand side of the box. The latter turns and cuts it back for Mata on the penalty spot, who pokes the ball inside the bottom left corner of the net with a first-time finish. That's his third goal of the tournament, and Randall now also has an assist to add to his goal off the bench.
3
-
0
M. Mata
Assist: J. Randall
90+1'
90+1'
One more change for Vanuatu, and John Alick is replaced by Alick Worworbu for the dying embers of this final.