The New Zealand under-17 women's football team are one good match away from making the world finals after beating Papua New Guinea 9-0 in the Oceania championships at Auckland today.
New Zealand, who beat Solomon Islands 10-0 in their opening match yesterday, next play winless Tonga on Friday.
A draw from that match would see them qualify for the September's under-17 World Cup at Trinidad and Tobago.
With one round left in the round robin competition, New Zealand top the table with six points with Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands sharing second spot on three points each.
Holly Patterson led the scoring with a hat trick, followed by substitute Brittany Dudley-Smith who netted twice.
Goals by Kate Loye, Stephanie Skilton, Evie Millynn and an own goal completed the scoreline.
New Zealand rocketed to a 4-0 lead after 12 minutes and coasted throughout the rest of the match, leaving coach Dave Edmondson with mixed feelings despite putting one foot in the Caribbean-based finals.
". . . it was about performance and I think we let ourselves down today," Edmondson said.
"The quality was below par today. It's tough, but we have to set our own standards higher."
Edmondson also warned his side against complacency against Tonga, reminding them there was still plenty to play for.
"We talked before the game, it's not about Trinidad and Tobago. For these girls here it's about making sure they are in the team.
"It's the New Zealand under-17s that go to Trinidad and Tobago not necessarily these 20 girls. They have to earn that right."
