New Zealand's Milly Clegg and Solomon Islands' Teisika Rotoava contest the ball during the Fifa Women's World Cup Qualifiers 2027 at National Stadium in Honiara on Monday. Photo / Photosport
New Zealand's Milly Clegg and Solomon Islands' Teisika Rotoava contest the ball during the Fifa Women's World Cup Qualifiers 2027 at National Stadium in Honiara on Monday. Photo / Photosport
The Football Ferns have notched another landslide win at the second round of World Cup Oceania qualifying in Honiara to ensure they’ll line up in the semi-finals on home soil.
Striker Hannah Blake scored a hat-trick as New Zealand dismantled the host nation Solomon Islands8-0, matching the scoreline from their opening win over Samoa.
Victory ensures coach Michael Mayne’s team will contest the third round of qualifying – comprising semi-finals and final – in New Zealand in April.
They needed to finish in the top two of their pool in Honiara and will achieve that regardless of the result of their final pool match against unbeaten American Samoa on Thursday.
New Zealand's Hannah Blake looks to get past Solomon Islands' Claudia Votu during the sides' match in the Fifa Women's World Cup Qualifiers 2027 at Honiara. Photo / Photosport
Mayne was delighted with the form of his side and pleased they’ve been able to develop elements of their attacking game.
“This team’s been waiting to get back home and get back in front of our community and our supporters. To tick that off after our second game is great,” Mayne said.
“And I’m really proud of the performance, it was an enjoyable one for me.
“I think we knew this tournament would give us the opportunity to work a few different ideas in how we want to play, particularly in possession. The intent was just superb from the players.”
Mayne was also pleased Durham Women FC striker Blake could show her wares, having made sporadic appearances for the national side since her debut nine years ago.
Football Ferns coach Michael Mayne at the New Zealand Football Ferns team announcement for the 2024 Paris Olympics at Eden Park, Auckland, on July 4, 2024. Photo / Photosport
Milly Clegg bagged a double, while Indiah-Paige Riley, Grace Jale and Pia Vlok also found the net.
The Oceania semi-finals will be played in Hamilton on April 12, followed by the final at North Harbour Stadium three days later.
The winners will qualifying automatically for next year’s World Cup in Brazil, while the beaten finalists will contest an inter-Confederation playoff process.
