New Zealand move to brink of WC

WELLINGTON, Mar 21 (AFP): Chris Wood scored a hat-trick of headers as New Zealand moved to within one win of the World Cup with a 7-0 demolition of Fiji on Friday. New Zealand will face 152nd-ranked New Caledonia in Auckland on Monday for a place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Wood was subbed off after sealing his treble with just under 30 minutes left and, with the game going on, the Nottingham Forest striker climbed into the stands in Wellington to sign autographs. A smiling Wood was promptly booked by the referee.