Chris Wood becomes All Whites’ all-time leading scorer with brace against Fiji

By Pelumi Emmanuel

Published: March 21, 2022 | 7:29 PM GMT

Chris Wood has become the All Whites’ all-time leading goal-scorer after scoring twice to beat Fiji 4-0 at the Oceania World Cup qualifying tournament.

Wood scored his 29th and 30th international goals in his 62nd appearance to move ahead of Vaughan Coveny on the all-time scoring list, while also booking New Zealand’s place in the semifinals in the process.Wood opened the scoring on the stroke of halftime by nodding a Clayton Lewis free-kick in at the far post.

The All Whites doubled their lead through substitute Elijah Just in the 71st minute when he turned and shot on the edge of the six yard box.

Wood, one of seven changes made by coach Danny Hay after their opening win over Papua New Guinea, broke Coveny’s record when he was slipped through by Just and curled his shot past Mohammed Alam.

Clayton Lewis added a fourth goal from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time after Logan Rogerson was judged to have been clipped on the ribs by Alam while challenging for a header.

All Whites 4 (Chris Wood 45’, 73’, Elijah Just 71’, Clayton Lewis pen-93’) Fiji 0

HT: 1-0

About Pelumi Emmanuel

Pelumi Emmanuel is an accomplished writer and journalist with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He is a passionate and dedicated professional who is committed to producing high-quality content that informs, engages, and entertains readers. Pelumi’s love for reading and writing is evident in his work, which has been read worldwide and has garnered him a loyal following. His journalistic expertise is matched only by his natural talent for storytelling, making his articles both informative and engaging. He lives in California, USA.