New Zealand are through to the semi-finals of the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship after a comfortable 5-0 victory against hosts Samoa.
The defending champions caught the hosts napping in the opening minutes, Luke Supyk outmuscling the Samoan defence, before forcing a save from Joel Bartley, who tipped it on to the crossbar.
New Zealand’s early dominance paid dividends in the opening stages. A cross in from the right-hand side was initially dealt with by Samoa but Codey Phoenix was there on the follow up, producing a great half volley that nestled into the bottom corner
Phoenix had his second not long after, his high curling corner managed to beat everyone including the goalkeeper, which delighted the small Kiwi contingent in the crowd.
The rainy weather didn’t assist Samoa’s situation either as the Kiwis repeatedly attacked the home team’s penalty area. After a terrific run and help from Lachlan Candy, Fergus Gillion finished nicely in the corner to finally give the hosts another lead. The second half of the game began with little action, but around the sixty-minute mark, things started to pick up. Nathan Walker of New Zealand nearly missed Supyk’s outstretched leg at the back post with his shot that skimmed over the face of goal. Shortly after, Lewis Partridge sent a lovely cross into the penalty area for Supyk, but Bartley stopped a spectacular point-blank attempt to keep New Zealand from scoring a fourth.
Partridge was the recipient of the fourth goal eventually scored by the reigning champions. Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues received a low cross into the box, which Supyk flicked on for him. Bartley saved his point blank attempt. Partridge, though, was there to really drive the point home in the follow-up.
Samoa worked hard but was unable to penetrate a resilient New Zealand defence. Silent on Papua New Guinea was Captain Pharrell Trainor, who had been so effective up front. An unlucky own goal gave New Zealand a late fifth goal, but they ended well. New Zealand is the first team to secure a semi-final spot as a result of the outcome. On Friday, Samoa, the hosts, will play New Caledonia in a winner-take-all championship game.
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