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AAP
AAP
Sport
Ben McKay

New Zealand deny New Caledonia to reach FIFA World Cup

Michael Boxall's (right) first international goal has helped New Zealand into the World Cup. (Andrew Cornaga/AAP PHOTOS)

New Zealand will return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 16 years after overcoming early nerves to beat New Caledonia 3-0 in their decisive qualifier.

The All Whites were made to work hard in their Oceania playoff at Auckland's Eden Park on Monday, held goalless in the first half and losing captain Chris Wood to a hip injury early in the second.

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