Marco Rojas double gives All Whites deserved win over New Caledonia in World Cup qualifier

A brace of goals to Marco Rojas has led the All Whites to a deserved 2-0 victory over New Caledonia in their first home match in more than two years. The Melbourne Victory star scored in either half of the World Cup qualifier at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday, ensuring New Zealand had started the second phase in their road to the 2018 global showcase in Russia on the right note. In breezy and changeable conditions, Rojas netted in the 42nd and 72nd minutes in front of a little more than 8000 fans who walked away having witnessed their team’s sixth win over Les Cagous in seven encounters between the two nations. After their strong performances against Mexico and the USA last month, most expected the All Whites to be much more convincing than their 1-0 victory against New Caledonia in the semifinals of the Oceania Nations Cup in June. Early signs of that were positive, Dutch-based star Ryan Thomas claiming a fourth-minute free-kick and Wood’s strike threatening before sailing over the crossbar. The sight of Wood on or near the ball became constant throughout the first 45 minutes, the hosts using the height advantage the lofty Leeds front-man had....