Soccer: NZ one win away from U17 World Cup

New Zealand are one win away from the under-17 soccer World Cup in Nigeria after beating New Caledonia 2-0 in the Oceania age group championship in Auckland today.

The Young All Whites dominated possession and territory but could not convert their advantage on the scoreboard and must now beat Tahiti on Friday to book their passage to Africa in October.

Earlier today, Tahiti fought back from a goal down at halftime against Vanuatu to win 4-1 and stay ahead of New Zealand on goal difference.

Tahiti need only a draw against the New Zealanders to qualify for the world event.

After a scoreless first half, Young All White Jack Hobson-McVeigh slotted a 58th-minute penalty while Andrew Milne was on hand in the 87th minute to tap in a mishandled Cameron Lindsay shot to seal their team's win.

- NZPA