All Whites

All Whites debutant scores in win over PNG

Substitute Ben Waine scored the winner in his first senior international game for New Zealand from a free kick in the 75th minute.

The Wellington Phoenix player had only been on the field for less than 10 minutes when he scored from close range.

Papua New Guinea had not played an international fixture since 2019, whereas the All Whites last played in January.

The Kapuls are ranked 165 on Fifa's ranking, more than 50 places below New Zealand (111).

New Zealand had several chances to score late in the game but could not convert.

'Inevitable' - All Whites considering name change to avoid offence

The sport’s governing body has confirmed it was reviewing the name, setting the scene for arguments between old school traditionalists and those who value inclusivity.

The All Whites nickname dates back 40 years to its qualification run to the 1982 World Cup, when New Zealand donned an all-white kit for the first time against Taiwan.

The fan-given nickname stuck, the moniker sitting as an irreverent contrast to the senior men’s rugby side, the All Blacks.

Winston Reid to captain All Whites

The West Ham defender is returning to competitive football after 18 months on the sideline through injury.

However his fellow English Premier League star Chris Wood is in doubt for the match after missing training today.

Hay says Wood had a slight leg niggle and that the striker would be given until game day to decide his availability.

"We just need to see how he pulls up, we won't take any unnecessary risks, we understand that this is a friendly, but Chris is desperate to play," Hay said

Peru fined for using lasers on All Whites

World's football's global governing body released the latest decisions of its Disciplinary Committee on Wednesday (NZ time), with Peru issued with 12 breaches.

Two of those related to their home-and-away playoff against New Zealand last month, which Peru won 2-0 on aggregate following a 2-0 win in the second leg in Lima.

All Whites keep World Cup hopes alive

The All Whites suffered a big blow just before kick off when star striker Chris Wood was forced to the bench with a hamstring injury.

He was replaced in the starting team by Kosta Barbourouses.

However, the All Whites responded well to the setback holding their own against a classy Peruvian team which dominated much of the early possession and territory.

New Zealand to play Japan

Anthony Hudson’s team, who defeated the Solomon Islands home (6-1) and drew away (2-2) for an 8-3 win on aggregate to book their place in the Intercontinental Playoff in November, will face the World No 44 Japan on Friday 6 October at Toyota Stadium in Nagoya.

While the All Whites won the OFC Stage 3 Playoff, Japan defeated Australia (2-0) in the AFC Stage Three Qualifiers to book their place in the 20118 FIFA World Cup Russia™.

Heat the main issue for All Whites

The New Zealanders have a 6-1 advantage over the Solomon Islands following their impressive first up display.

Sigmund expects a number of changes to the All Whites side to avoid any unnecessary yellow cards.

The former defender says the heat will be the visitors biggest challenge today.

"I played there two or three times and almost died two of three times because the heat was just unbearable."

"I remember playing and just thinking at half time how am I going to get through the next 45 minutes... it is torturous."

Solomon Football squad remains focussed for All Whites

Assistant Coach Stanley Waita says they want to keep the team together and remain focussed for their game against an experienced All Whites.

When asked about their chances of making history against the All Whites, he said they have to believe in themselves.

“We have to believe in ourselves and take one game at a time,” Waita said.

Solomon Islands recently named its final squad with the inclusion of four new players who will make their debut in the international match.

The new players are Clement Baegani, Clifton Aumae, Andrew Raragia.

Chris Wood up for EFL Award

Wood, who plays for Leeds is one of three finalists along with Newcastle forward Dwight Gayle and Brighton winger Anthony Knockaert.

25 year old Wood, who will lead his country against Fiji in their World Cup qualifier in Wellington tonight, has scored 24 league goals this season.

Gayle has 21 goals from 28 league games since joining leaders Newcastle from Crystal Palace.

Former Leicester man Knockaert has scored 13 goals to help Chris Hughton's side to second in the table.

The awards will be presented in London on April 9th.

Wood named Championship player of the month

Wood scored six goals in four Championship games in January.

Wood, 25, went into this season after a solid if unspectacular first campaign with Leeds, and fans were expecting a better return than 13 goals in 36 league appearances.

He's emerged as one of the leading strikers in the Championship, scoring 18 goals in 29 league games.

Wood's total tally for the season stands at 21 goals in 33 games this season.

After winning the award, Wood took to Twitter to thank everybody who voted for him, saying he was "very honoured and privileged" to have won the award.