New Zealand defeated China 3-0 in an international friendly on Sunday. Goals from Tyler Bindon, Ben Waine and Oskar Parker-Price delivered a confidence-boosting result for the All Whites ahead of their upcoming World Cup qualifier.
The team started brightly and took the lead after just four minutes. Callum McCowatt provided the assist for defender Tyler Bindon to head home. Ben Waine doubled the advantage just before the half-hour mark, finishing a move created by Elijah Just.
Manager Darren Bazeley made several changes throughout the second half, introducing players like Alex Rufer and Dane Ingham. The fresh legs helped maintain control, with New Zealand enjoying 57 percent of possession and creating 13 shots. The third goal arrived late when substitute Oskar Parker-Price found the net in the 82nd minute.
Elijah Just received the only yellow card of the game for New Zealand in the first half. China, coached by Branko Ivanković, managed only two shots on target against a solid defensive performance from the All Whites.
Their recent form shows one win, two draws and two losses from the last five outings.
The team now travels to face Panama in another friendly on Wednesday, 30 September. That match offers a final chance to build momentum before the next round of competitive fixtures.
Manager Darren Bazeley confirmed Chris Wood started the match against China. Wood, who has 45 goals in 93 caps, led the line in Chongqing. The 3-0 victory on September 27 improved New Zealand's recent form to one win, two draws and two losses from their last five outings.
New Zealand will face Panama in a friendly on October 1, the team confirmed on September 30. Manager Darren Bazeley's starting lineup against China on September 27 featured Alex Paulsen in goal, with Bill Tuiloma and Tyler Bindon in central defense.
