Fiji and Solomon Islands booked their places in the third round of Oceania World Cup qualifying -- but only on goal difference ahead of Vanuatu.

Fiji met Vanuatu knowing they only had to avoid defeat by three goals to secure their place, but also in the knowledge they would likely need at least a point to advance to the semifinals of the OFC Nations Cup.

The second round of qualifying in the Oceania region doubles as the OFC Nations Cup, taking place in Papua New Guinea, with the winners...

New Zealand cruised into the third round of Oceania World Cup qualifying with a 5-0 thrashing of Vanuatu in the OFC Nations Cup.

The All Whites' goals came in the first half, as coach Anthony Hudson also moved his team to the brink of a place in next week's OFC Nations Cup semifinals.

Captain Chris Wood netted twice in the opening six minutes, before Michael McGlinchey added the third in the 10th minute. Rory Fallon made it 4-0 on 19 minutes with Kosta Barbarouses,...

New Zealand made a winning start to their Oceania Nations Cup Group B campaign when they beat Fiji 3-1 in Papua New Guinea to boost their World Cup qualifying bid.

The All Whites took the lead after 16 minutes when Themi Tzimopoulos scored his first international goal and seemed in complete control when Rory Fallon added a second three minutes before half-time.

Fiji cut the deficit in first-half stoppage time when striker Roy Krishna converted from the penalty spot.

But New Zealand wrapped up the...