This was the Fifa World Cup sendoff the All Whites needed.
It was also beyond their wildest dreams. They grabbed their first victory over a South American team – in 20 attempts – and in some style, with a 4-1 hammering of Chile at Eden Park on Monday night.
It was the kind of result no one could have predicted and a game where New Zealand turned potential into performance.
A long-awaited goal from Kosta Barbarouses provided the initiative in the 31st minute, before Elijah Just doubled the advantage nine minutes later. Second-half strikes to Jesse Randall and Ben Waine extended the advantage and provided a surreal look to the scoreline, before Gonzalo Tapia grabbed a deserved consolation.
However, there was a significant asterisk to the result, with Chile reduced to 10 men from the 28th minute following Dario Osorio’s dismissal, after his second yellow card in four minutes. That changed the complexion of the match – and stunned the passionate Chilean support among the crowd of 14,327.
But the All Whites had looked in the zone before that, with the feeling that a special night could unfold. No one in the New Zealand camp will get too carried away - given their numerical advantage - but this was massive fillip for confidence and belief ahead of the big show in June. It was also key for several individuals in one of their last chances to impress.
As expected, All Whites coach Darren Bazeley made several alterations. Joe Bell was back in central midfield, Alex Paulsen started in goal and Ryan Thomas was on the bench. Callum McCowatt was the No 10 and Barbarouses the striker, while Randall earned a start. The most intriguing selection was Ben Old at left back after a run of games there for St Etienne.
From the start, the All Whites looked a different team from the one that lost to Finland on Friday – full of zip, verve and hunger, and making their presence felt. Osorio tested Paulsen early but otherwise New Zealand were forcing the play. Old and Randall were combining well on the left, while Tim Payne was much more assured in and out of possession, and Bell provided a steadying influence.
Tyler Bindon headed home from a Payne free kick – but was offside – and the Chilean defence had to be alert to block several dangerous crosses, while Payne stopped a dangerous breakaway.
But the match swung with Osorio’s second yellow card. If the first was a bit soft, the second was just dumb, as he grabbed Barbarouses’ shoulder. The All Whites were already edging the contest but that put Chile at a significant disadvantage.
The opening goal was a beauty, a volley from the edge of the six yard box. Barbarouses was left unmarked – perhaps confusion from the red card – but his contact was true and without hesitation, driven into the far corner. It was a milestone moment for the 36-year-old, his first goal against non-Oceania opposition since 2012, a period spanning more than 50 appearances.
There was another chance minutes later, as Marko Stamenic broke free – following a Payne backheel – but his shot was too straight. But the All Whites’ dominance was confirmed with Just’s strike, as he anticipated Bell’s clever return pass following a corner and slid home, though the goal took an age to be confirmed by VAR.
Chile had their best period early in the second half – with some promising incursions – while Paulsen had to be alert to stop a Vicente Pizarro rocket. But the third goal from Randall ended any doubt and was probably the best move of the night, from one touchline to the other, before the Auckland FC winger was on hand to finish. A clever lofted pass from Bell was key, while Barbarouses was unselfish with his volleyed cross.
The Auckland crowd began to chant “We want four” and their wish was granted with Waine’s firm strike through traffic in the 71st minute, after his first shot was blocked. Tapia’s late goal was deserved – given Chile’s effort – though the manner of the concession will disappoint Bazeley, as the South Americans broke too easily before Tapia’s assured finish.
All Whites 4 (Kosta Barbarouses 31, Elijah Just 40, Jesse Randall 60, Ben Waine 71)
Chile 1 (Gonzalo Tapia 84)
Halftime 2-0
Michael Burgess has been a Sports Journalist for the New Zealand Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast.