The New Zealand footballers have qualified for next year's U-17 men's World Cup in Peru with a 4-1 win over Tahiti in the semi-finals of the Oceania U-16 Championship in Solomon Islands.
Oskar Van Hattum in action in under 16 OFC Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Oskar Van Hattum scored for New Zealand just a few moments after kick-off before Henry Hamilton took his tournament goal tally to six with a quick-fire double.
That gave New Zealand a 3-0 lead well before half-time and Matthew Garbett scored the second half to seal the result.
The two finalists qualify for the World Cup.
Coach Jose Figueira was pleased with his side's effort.
"I think we've seen very close to their best now," he said.
"We're obviously delighted to have earned that qualification and I think the biggest thing today was the personality shown by the boys. To put on a performance like that in such a big game was top class."
New Zealand had suffered a 5-0 defeat to Solomon Islands in their second outing at the tournament and conceded three goals in a subsequent win over Papua New Guinea.
New Zealand take on the hosts in the Championship final on Saturday and Figueira is expecting his players to be up for the challenge.
"I think it sets up a really good final and I guess we don't need much motivation after the last result against them," he says.
"We'll let the boys enjoy it tonight and reflect on what they've accomplished but we want to get the job done in the last game."
