New Zealand beat Vanuatu 2-0 last night to maintain their unbeaten record after two matches into the Oceania zone Olympics soccer qualifying tournament being played in Lautoka, Fiji.
Young striker Costa Barbarouses scored one and set up another as New Zealand remained on course for a showdown withthe Solomon Islands, who thumped the Cook Island 11-0 in another match earlier.
The Oly-Whites overcame the 38th minute dismissal of midfielder Dan Keat to join the Solomons as the only unbeaten sides in the tournament.
Barbarouses, promoted to New Zealand's starting 11 in place of Wellington Phoenix teammate Greg Draper, set the Oly-Whites on their way with a clever lob over Vanuatu goalkeeper Charley Kalanasei after 15 minutes.
Keat and Vanuatu's Spencer Noal saw red just before Hawke's Bay United striker Jeremy Brockie - on as a 21st minute replacement for Craig Henderson - made it 2-0 when he finished off a move by the ever dangerous Barbarouses after 40 minutes.
Both sides had chances after the break with New Zealand goalkeeper Jacob Spoonley tipping a late freekick over his crossbar after Vanuatu had a 73rd minute penalty shout waved away.
New Zealand face Papua New Guinea next up on Wednesday (6pm NZT) before the Solomon Islands meet Vanuatu.
Solomon Island's striker Benjamin Totori was on target five times against the Cooks to take his tournament tally to eight goals.
The romp kept the Solomons on top of the standings ahead of their showdown with New Zealand on Friday which is likely to decide which team represents Oceania at the August 8-24 Olympics in Beijing.
In the other match last night, Fiji beat Papua New Guinea 7-1.
Results:
New Zealand 2 (Costa Barbarouses 15, Jeremy Brockie 40) Vanuatu 0. Halftime: 2-0.
