Lachlan Candy’s goal in the first half was the decisive moment in a match where both teams struggled to maintain consistent front-foot pressure.
Chris Greenacre’s side had yet to concede a goal in their campaign but were under pressure early on. James Bulkeley had the Kiwis’ first real chance of the contest, but his header from a Nathan Walker free-kick drifted harmlessly over the bar.
Louis Brunet, one of many standouts for New Caledonia throughout the tournament, went closest in the opening period for his side.
New Zealand grew into the match as the half ticked on, with Lachlan Candy presented with a wonderful opportunity from a central position in the box, but his effort bobbled wide.
Candy made amends minutes later, finding himself in a similar position as Stipe Ukich’s cross found Luke Supyk, whose cutback was well finished by Candy to break the deadlock.
Two goals in three minutes would be the defining moment of the second half, coming from New Zealand forward Luke Supyk. His first was a powerful near-post header, connecting with a Nathan Walker free-kick that beat the grasp of Saulia to double the lead.
As the match reached its final quarter of an hour, James Bulkeley headed home from close range, which ‘keeper Saulia frustratingly watched slip through his grasp.
Multiple substitutions took much of the sting out of the match, with New Caledonia looking forward to next year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
New Caledonia: 0
New Zealand: 4 (Lachlan CANDY 37’, Luke SUPYK 64′, 67′ (P), James Andrew BULKELEY 74′)
HT: 0-1
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