Striker Rosie White feasted on five goals as New Zealand sealed qualification to the women's under-20 soccer World Cup in Germany with an 11-0 thrashing of Tonga in Auckland Monday.
In a resounding end to the Oceania qualifying tournament at North Harbour Stadium, 16-year-old White set the tone with her first goal in just the third minute. Today's tally took her to nine goals in three games and the golden boot award, along with being named player of the tournament.
She had her hat trick on the half hour mark as the Junior Football Ferns made sure of their ticket to the 16-team finals starting on July 13 with a blistering start.
They comprehensively won all three of their matches, having beaten both American Samoa and the Cook Islands 8-0.
"We wanted to go out really hard at the beginning, as we felt that we started a bit sloppy against the Cook Islands," said New Zealand coach Tony Readings.
"But this time I think we were four goals up after about quarter of an hour.
"We've got no complaints about the way we qualified. The players were professional throughout, we've kept three sheets and scored some good goals so I'm very happy."
The players now get a break for two weeks before resuming training, although a handful will be eyeing places in the New Zealand senior women's team for an Auckland-based two-match international series against Australia in February.
Earlier today the Cook Islands beat American Samoa to pip Tonga for second place on goal differential.
NZPA