Kiwi Nottingham Forest star Chris Wood has scored a brace of goals, as the All Whites took another step towards World Cup qualification through the Oceania zone.
New Zealand overpowered Vanuatu 8-1 at Hamilton to book a spot in the confederation semifinals, along with New Caledonia.
Wood snapped a 1-1 deadlock in the 23rd minute, heading home a corner from Liberato Cacace. Seconds later, he added a second, when he prodded a cross from Matt Garbett into the net.
One of the top goalscorers in English Premier League this season had chances to seal a hattrick, but was eventually subbed off for Ben Waine late in the second half with mission accomplished.
Garbett was adjudged Man of the Match, scoring the opening goal from long range and contributing to several others from the left wing.
"We know how good Matt is and he need to bring that every single time," reflected captain Wood. "He sets his own bar, and needs to keep improving and getting better.
"The sky's the limit with him."
Star striker Chris Wood had a brace in the World Cup qualifying match. (Source: Supplied)
Vanuatu enjoyed a brief moment of rapture, when midfielder Jordy Tasip found himself free on the right and chipped NZ keeper Max Crocombe to level the scores, but that joy was shortlived, as Wood went to work.
"It could have been another one or two, and that's the disappointment I'll have," said Wood. "I'm happy with a couple of goals, but I'm more happy with the win.
"It puts us through to the next round, which is the main thing."
Garbett was the provider again, when he fired towards the right post and watched his shot deflected home by Tyler Bindon for his first international goal. Bindon almost had a second, when his header glanced off defender Brian Kaltak for an own goal.
Midfielder Elijah Just finished off a solo run into the penalty area with angled right foot past Vanuatu custodian Dick Sabian, before Sapreet Singh broke a six-year scoring drought for the national team, rewarding another assist from Garbett.
Singh then floated a delightful left-foot cross for Callum McCowatt at the far post and he made no mistake to complete the scoresheet.
"It was about being professional and doing the job," reflected Wood. "They put up a fight and the first 20-25 minutes, they made it difficult for us, but thankfully it was a good night.
"The group did really well and there were some good performances there. It's nice to have all our players travelling back from Europe."
New Zealand face winless Samoa at Auckland on Monday, their final group match, while Vanuatu and Tahiti will contest the second semifinal spot from the pool.
New Zealand 8 (Wood 2, Garbett, Bindon, Just, Singh, McCowatt, own goal) Vanuatu 1 (Tasip)
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