New Zealand will be playing knockout football after a stunning 2-0 win over Norway at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland.
A ferocious second-half strike from Gianni Stensness broke a goalless deadlock, to propel the young All Whites to a second victory in four days.
Following a 5-0 hammering of Honduras, Des Buckingham's side was full of confidence early against the Europeans, creating half chances for Phoenix forward Sarpreet Singh and the impressive Elijah Just.
But the Norwegian's held firm at the back and created the best chance of the half through their striker Erling Haland, but he fluffed his shot and New Zealand escaped to half time on level terms.
The break sparked the Kiwis into action again, with Singh and his Phoenix teammate Cacace asking numerous questions of the defence.
Singh and Callum McCowatt went close from set-piece, while Just, Ben Waine and Joe Bell had chances from close range saved by goalkeeper Julian Lund.
But the decisive moment came 20-minutes to play. Good build-up play from Singh and Bell had the Norwegians on their heels, Bell then laid off a pass to Stensness who hit the ball first time from 25 yards. The ball thumped into the back of the net to give New Zealand a deserved lead they would never give up.
An own goal through defender John Kitolano sealed the result for the Kiwis, leaving them topping their group over Uruguay, who they play on Friday morning.
With seven goals scored and none conceded, the young All Whites will hold no fear of Uruguay, despite the South American giants scoring two impressive wins themselves.
Newshub.
