New Zealand have overcome a stubborn Tahiti challenge 1-0 to advance to the Oceania World Cup qualifying final at Doha.
Despite dominating the match, the All Whites were held out until the stroke of 70 minutes, when LIberato Cacace played a ball into the penalty area and continued his run, as Alex Grieve's cross ricochetted to his feet in front of goal and he made no mistake from point blank range.
The Kiwis enjoyed 68 percent possession for the game and peppered the Tahitian goal with 16 shots, eight of them on target and six forcing keeper Jackson Teave Teamotuaitau into action.
Danny Hay's side targeted Premier League striker Chris Wood repeatedly and the Tahiti defence put up a wall around the All Whites leading goalscorer to frustrate his intentions.
By contrast, the Tahitian attack managed just four shots and only one that troubled NZ keeper Stefan Marinovic.
"Patience was the key," says All Whites midfielder Bill Tuiloma. "We knew that Tahiti would give us a struggle and try to get it in the back of the net, but we're glad we got the win.'
New Zealand now face Solomon Islands in the tournament final, with the winners taking on the fourth-ranked CONCACAF (North & Central America, Caribbean) team for a spot at the World Cup in November/December.
The Solomons overpowered Papua New Guinea 3-2, with Raphael Ohanua Lea'i Jr putting his side two goals up in the 71st minute.
"The Solomons are going to bring some speed and we have to be ready," says Tuiloma.
New Zealand face Solomon Islands on Thursday morning (NZ tme).
New Zealand 1 (Cacace) Tahiti 0
