New Zealand on cusp of knockouts after Honduras win at FIFA U20s World Cup

  • 26/05/2017

New Zealand have put behind them a disappointing draw against Vietnam two nights ago to record a convincing victory over Honduras at the FIFA U20s World Cup.

In their opening match of the tournament, the New Zealanders struggled to get the ball forward and keep it there.

However straight from the kick-off, it wasn't something they had trouble doing against a Honduras team that, despite having a large share of the possession, was thoroughly outplayed.

Winning possession from Honduras in the opening minute, a brilliant long Joe Bell pass saw Myer Bevan catch the Honduras back three off guard.

Still with some work to do by taking the ball on the right hand side about 40 yards from goal, Bevan took the angle and blasted the ball past Honduras goalkeeper Javier Delgado.

Whilst Honduras dominated the statistics, they couldn't make any substantial ground and New Zealand made them pay again in the 23rd minute through Hunter Ashworth who noded a clever header over Delgado who found himself out of position to make it 2-0.

The South Americans did manage to get back into the match after the break through Jorge Alvarez who smashed home a rebound off the post to give them a sniff.

But the result was put to bed seven minutes later after New Zealand was awarded a penalty for a player being brought down in the box during a corner with Bevan converting with ease.

New Zealand will face France on Sunday with anything more than a heavy loss likely getting them through to the knockouts. However, they will be hoping Honduras can defeat Vietnam after being beaten 3-0 by the French on Wednesday.

Newshub.