NZ's Marco Rojas (L) is tackled by Christopher Kumar of Fiji (R) during the Oceania U-20 Tournament semi final match between New Zealand and Fiji at North Harbour Stadium. Photo / Getty Images
New Zealand are one win away from reaching the under-20 soccer World Cup in Colombia after beating Fiji 6-0 in the semifinals of the Oceania under-20 championship in Auckland today.
The Junior All Whites scored three goals in each half of a game they controlled throughout to take their tournament
tally to 19 to nil.
They will play Solomon Islands, who they beat 3-0 in their first game, in Friday's final at North Harbour Stadium.
Solomon Islands beat Vanuatu 3-2 in a penalty shootout after the two sides played out an entertaining 3-3 extra time draw in the other semifinal.
Wellington Phoenix star Marco Rojas set up New Zealand's first two goals against Fiji.
He played a 13th minute freekick short to Zane Sole who rifled the ball into the net from 25 metres.
The second goal came after Rojas attacked down the left before threading a pinpoint pass through the Fijian defence for Ethan Galbraith to nail home in the 37th minute.
Dakota Lucas saw his penalty shot in the 41st minute saved Akuila Mateisuva but the striker collected the rebound to score and give New Zealand a 3-0 halftime lead.
New Zealand doubled their halftime time lead with goals by Cory Chettleburgh, Andy Bevin and Ryan Cain after the breather.
"Fiji were very physical and came in with a game plan to try and stop us," New Zealand coach Chris Milicich said.
"But once Zane scores a strike like that from about 30 metres they were starting to struggle.
"Our discipline and our control were very good, and we've talked about that all week."
Oceania under-20 soccer championship semifinal scores: New Zealand 6 (Zane Sole, Ethan Galbraith, Dakota Lucas, Corey Chettleburgh, Andy Bevin, Ryan Cain) Fiji 0. Halftime: 3-0.
Solomon Islands 3 Vanuatu 3 (after extra time).
Halftime: 2-1. Solomon Islands win 3-2 on penalties
- NZPA
