Source: Radio New Zealand
New Zealand’s Milly Clegg (L) and Solomon Islands’ Teisika Rotoava contest possession. photosport
The Football Ferns have notched another landslide win at the second round of World Cup Oceania qualifying in Honiara to ensure they’ll line up in the semi-finals on home soil.
Striker Hannah Blake scored a hat-trick as New Zealand dismantled the host nation Solomon Islands 8-0, matching the scoreline from their opening win over Samoa.
Victory ensures coach Michael Mayne’s team will contest the third round of qualifying – comprising semi-finals and final – in New Zealand in April.
They needed to finish in the top two of their pool in Honiara and will achieve that regardless the result of their final pool match against unbeaten American Samoa on Thursday.
New Zealand’s Indiah-Paige Riley celebrates after scoring a goal. photosport
Mayne was delighted with the form of his side and pleased they’ve been able to develop elements of their attacking game.
“This team’s been waiting to get back home and get back in front of our community and our supporters. To tick that off after our second game is great,” Mayne said.
“And I’m really proud of the performance, it was an enjoyable one for me.
“I think we knew this tournament would give us the opportunity to work a few different ideas in how we want to play, particularly in possession. The intent was just superb from the players.”
Football Ferns coach Michael Mayne at the New Zealand Football Ferns team announcement for the 2024 Paris Olympics at Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand on 4 July, 2024. Photosport / Alan Lee
Mayne was also pleased Durham Women FC striker Blake could show her wares, having made sporadic appearances for the national side since her debut nine years ago.
Milly Clegg bagged a double while Indiah-Paige Riley, Grace Jale and Pia Vlok also found the net.
The Oceania semifinals will be played in Hamilton on April 12, followed by the final at North Harbour Stadium three days later.
The winners will qualifying automatically for next year’s World Cup in Brazil while the beaten finalists will contest an inter-Confederation play-off process.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand