Orlando Pirates forward Andre de Jong was in action for New Zealand as they thrashed Chile 4-1 at Eden Park in Auckland as they continue their preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Oceanic giants, who are 85th in the current FIFA rankings, took on the South Americans who are 30 places higher and took them to the sword in an impressive display with experienced duo Michael Boxall and Chris Wood out – due to injury.
With the Nottingham Forest star, and All Whites captain being ruled out, Kosta Barbarouses and Callum McCowatt earned starts up front while de Jong featured in the final 13 minutes of the encounter.
Dario Osorio’s red card for two bookable offenses inside the opening half hour proved pivotal as the home side, who lost 2-0 to Finland last week, found the net through Barbarouses, Elijah Just, Jesse Randall and Ben Waine – before Renato Tapia’s late consolation.
It marked their first-ever win against South American opposition and will no doubt be a huge boost to their confidence for the squad whose final preparation fixture will take place on 6 June at Wembley Stadium when they face England.
New Zealand are in Group G alongside, Belgium, Iran and Egypt and where de Jong will be hoping to make the final squad – previously stating his move to the Buccaneers was a way to enhance his chances under head coach Darren Bazeley.
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