New Zealand was a huge favourite. Bill Tuiloma (23′, 69′), Chris Wood (39′), Joe Bell (50′) and Torino midfielder Matthew Garbett (91′) scored the goals in a virtually empty stadium.
In the intercontinental jump-offs, New Zealand will take on the number four from CONCACAF on June 13 or 14 in Qatar. More than likely that will be Costa Rica, although a duel against Mexico or the US is also a possibility.
Only the Canada of Club Brugge player Tajon Buchanan is already certain of direct qualification. The final match day in the group will be played the following night.
The draw for the World Cup will be held on Friday, in total only 27 of the 32 participating countries are known. The last tickets will be handed out in June, with in addition to the intercontinental play-offs also the last jump-off match in Europe, between Wales and the winner of Scotland/Ukraine.
