Now the battle starts for NZ

– Myer Bevan’s first international goal and an own goal by Haddis Gagame was enough for New Zealand to advance to an inter-continental play-off for the 2018 World Cup finals following a 2-2 draw with the Solomon Islands last night.

The result in the final round of Oceania qualifying gave New Zealand an 8-3 aggregate victory following a 6-1 win in the first leg in Auckland.

Micah Lea’alafa slotted a firsthalf penalty, while captain Henry Fa’arado did the same in the second half for the home side, who took advantage of sweltering conditions in Honiara to put in a better performance than they did last Friday.

New Zealand, who qualified for the 1982 and 2010 World Cup finals, now face the fifth-placed South American side – currently twice champions Argentina – in a two-legged play-off in November.

“It was a difficult day, we had a lot of changes and I was pleased just to get the job done,” All Whites coach Anthony Hudson (above) said.

“You have to give credit to the home team. They were giving everything and were playing for their pride and their country and they gave us a real test.”

The All Whites had virtually assured themselves of the play-off following the win in Auckland and Hudson rested several key players including captain Chris Wood, who scored a hat-trick last Friday.

“It was a good result for us, because to go 2-0 down to a professional side and then come back it feels like a win,” said the Solomons’ coach Felipe Vega-Arango.

“They proved they can compete. They never gave up. We had a lot of chances and their goalkeeper made a few good saves so it was a good score for us.” –