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VAN vs NZL
OFC Nations Cup
VFF Freshwater Stadium, Port Vila
Vanuatu
vs
New Zealand
0
FT
4
Action
Lineups
All
Facts Only
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Full-Time: 0 - 4
The All Whites have claimed top spot in Group A at the OFC Men's Nations Cup with a big win over Vanuatu. Make sure you join us again on Tribe next Thursday for live coverage of those semi-finals. It's been a pleasure bringing you all the action from VFF Freshwater Stadium in Port Vila this afternoon. For now, Harrison Ryburn signing out.
Not the performance Vanuatu would have been hoping for, particuarly after all the hype surrounding the team in the build-up to this fixture. Much was made of this being the 20th anniversary of their famous victory over New Zealand in 2004, but they never really got close to the All Whites today. Brian Kaltack tried asserting himself on the game by holding up possession and dictating things for Vanuatu, but he was exposed when drawn out of position, and struggled to find a way through New Zealand's defensive set-up. A number of wayward passes were made throughout as such, and aside from an early chance inside the opening minutes, Vanuatu struggled to create anything of note. Attention now turns to next week's semi-final and Vanuatu's first OFC Men's Nations Cup knockout match. That promises to be another special occasion in Port Vila, and they'll be hoped to be improved on this performance, in order to keep their tournament hopes alive.
A routine win for the All Whites in the end, who were always in control of this contest from start to finish. Bazeley's men placed a real emphasis on keeping hold of the ball and dictating the play, slowing the game, and not allowing Vanuatu to get their quick counter-attack going. That frustrated the hosts, and allowed New Zealand to gradually wear down their opposition without having to work overly hard. Howieson and Rufer did a great job of dictating in the midfield holding roles, alongside Surman and Bindon, before the All Whites broke out wide with Just, Old, and Cacace. Elijah Just was probably the most impressive with his two assists and goal, and always looked the best going forward. Overall this was probably a slightly improved performance on their opener, controlling the game a lot better in that second half, and Bazeley will again be happy that his men were able to manage the humid conditions to a comfortable victory.
Fulltime in Port Vila and the All Whites have secured top spot in Group A at the OFC Men's Nations Cup with a commanding four-goal victory over Vanuatu. Two in either half suffocated the efforts of the co-hosts, with Max Mata and Ben Old scoring their first international goals, supported by a long-range strike from Elijah Just. Both sides now turn their attention towards knockout football, with the OFC Nations Cup semi-finals set to be played back here in Port Vila next week.
90+4'
Tangis and Wohale link up this time as Vanuatu attempt to find a consolation. The latter is caught by a late challenge from Rufer in midfield though, and the New Zealand player picks up a yellow card.
90+4'
A. Rufer
90+3'
Clark makes a strong run up the middle of the park, before laying it off for Tangis near the top of the box. The latter opens up on his left foot for a shot at goal, but Smith throws his body in the way to block.
90+2'
Both sides are exhausted at the end of this one, with the Port Vila humidity really playing its part. Payne's latest throw off the right is intercepted and Vanuatu win a throw of their own down the left. They push up into the attacking half and piece together a couple of passes through Kaltack and Tenene.
90+1'
Five minutes of injury-time to be played at the end of this one, and Payne wins another throw on the right flank. It's sent forward for Van Hattum again, who settles for another throw, from which the ball comes back for Smith.