Chris Wood celebrates his goal with teammates. Photo / Photosport
Chris Wood celebrates his goal with teammates. Photo / Photosport
If you want a measure of how far the All Whites have come in recent times, note the reaction of coach Danny Hay following the 2-0 win over The Gambia on Wednesday.
While pleased with the performance, particularly in the first half, Hay wasn't completely satisfied, which illustratesthe growing level of expectation around this New Zealand team.
Hay felt there could have been a more clinical edge in the final third, which would have provided a greater halftime buffer and a more convincing score line.
There was a time – not too many years ago – when any positive result against non-Oceania opposition would have prompted celebrations from Kiwi football followers, but this team has set a new standard.
In the last nine years the All Whites had four wins over teams from outside their region (Saudi Arabia in 2013; Oman in 2015; Taiwan and India in 2018), now they've had three in five weeks.
The last time a New Zealand team managed such a sequence David Lange was Prime Minister, Wham were topping the charts and Jacinda Ardern was just out of kindergarten.
It was October 1985, when the All Whites beat Taiwan twice in a week, before an impressive 3-1 win over Israel at Mt Smart, capped by Colin Walker's magical goal.
The All Whites during the national anthem ahead of their clash against The Gambia. Photo / Photosport
The run of victories against Curacao (2-1), Bahrain (1-0) and The Gambia has matched that three peat, and there is surely more to come from this young group.
"I'm really happy with the results over the last couple of windows," said Hay. "You add to that the Olympics and it's been a pretty good year. I'm excited with the progress made and looking forward to what next year brings for us."
Two Chris Wood goals sealed the result, with the All Whites eschewing several other opportunities.
The Gambia had some chances, especially after halftime, but were generally well contained.
While not from the top echelon of African nations, their world ranking (147) is probably misleading, reflecting the strength of football across that continent.
They had some quality individuals, from top European leagues, but were outplayed for most of the match.
"We were so dominant, created so many opportunities and played such good football in the first half," said Hay. "We had little moments in the second half but we also showed we can grind out a result."
Winston Reid, in his first All Whites appearance in two years and his first game of any description since July, was impressive in his 56-minute spell, with his defensive organisation and passing range.
"Winston was arguably the best player on the pitch, which is testament to his quality," said Hay. "He hasn't kicked a ball since the Olympics."
Chris Wood (left) and Winston Reid (centre) celebrate. Photo / Photosport
Reid's leadership was also vital, setting an example after the All Whites endured a less than ideal build-up, with their trip from Abu Dhabi to Dubai taking twice as long as expected due to traffic problems en route.
"We had a pretty horrific journey – we were stuck on a bus with no toilet for two and a half hours," said Hay. "The players hopped off the bus - it was not enjoyable - but they weren't' going to use that as an excuse and Winston was a leader in that."
Wood opened the scoring in the 36th minute, demonstrating his striking instinct as he re-directed Joe Bell's shot into the goal with a back-heeled flick.
His second – which took him to 27 international goals, only two behind Vaughan Coveny's all-time New Zealand record – was well taken, as he ran onto Sarpreet Singh's precise pass, before finishing from a narrow angle after rounding the keeper.
The 29-year-old had two good chances to complete his hat-trick, hitting the post in the 85th minute with the second, among numerous opportunities for the All Whites.
Singh again proved a point of difference with his creativity, while 19-year-old midfielder Marko Stamenic underlined his potential, with his best display yet wearing the Silver Fern.
