Gianni Stensness’s second-half screamer put New Zealand en route to a 2-0 victory over Norway that sent them into the knockout phase for the third consecutive FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The Junior All Whites had the better of the first half, but their finishing failed to match their exquisite build-up play and when Liberato Cacace did test Julian Lund, the Norway goalkeeper made a smart save.
Lund denied Ben Wain and a Callum McCowatt free-kick shortly after the restart, but was powerless to prevent New Zealand breaking the deadlock in the 71st minute. There appeared minimal danger when the ball fell to Stensness, outside the penalty area, but his thunderbolt flew into the top corner.
The result fell beyond doubt late on. Cacace broke down the left and fed Elijah Just, whose cross was inadvertently turned into his own net by John Kitaloano.
Next up (Thursday)
Honduras-Norway (18:00 local time) Uruguay-New Zealand (18:00 local time)