Chris Wood Hits Quickfire Double In NZ World Cup Qualifying Romp

All Whites thrash Fiji 4-0 behind Wood's impressive double

Chris Wood scored twice as New Zealand began their FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a dominant 4-0 victory over Fiji in Auckland.

The Newcastle striker opened the scoring in the 45th minute, capitalising on a defensive error to slot home from close range.

He then doubled the lead just three minutes later, heading in a pinpoint cross from Leeds United midfielder Stuart Dallas.

Comfortable second half

New Zealand continued to dominate the second half, with Wood coming close to completing his hat-trick on several occasions.

Clayton Lewis added a third for the All Whites in the 71st minute, firing home from the edge of the area.

Fellow substitute Kosta Barbarouses sealed the victory in stoppage time, tapping in from close range after a mazy run from substitute Liberato Cacace.

The result was a comfortable victory for New Zealand, who will now face Papua New Guinea in their next qualifier on Tuesday.