Chris Wood became New Zealand’s all-time leading goalscorer with a brace in their 4-0 World Cup qualifying victory against Fiji on Monday evening. He netted his 29 th and 30 th goals for his nation in his 62nd appearance, overtaking the record set by Vaughan Coveny.
The Newcastle United striker has been the Kiwis’ talisman ever since he made his international debut in June 2009 when he was playing for West Bromwich Albion. 61 caps later and he is now the most prolific goalscorer in the footballing history of his country.
He equalled the record with a well-timed header from close range, similar to the goal he scored to open his Magpies account against Southampton. Less than half an hour later, he made history by finishing off a swift New Zealand counter attack by poking an effort beyond the Fiji goalkeeper.
Read more: Newcastle United striker Chris Wood's complicated path to the FIFA World Cup explained
He will be hoping his influence is key to firing his country to the World Cup in Qatar at the end of the calendar year. They will be expecting to make it through the OFC qualifying section which, if they win, will take them into an inter-confederation play-off against the fourth-placed team in the CONCACAF section.
At present, that would pit New Zealand against Panama for a place at the finals in November and December. Although, Costa Rica could sneak into the all-important fourth place as they sit just a point behind Panama.
As for Wood, he will be hoping to carry his goalscoring form into the final stretch of the Premier League season when he returns to action with Newcastle. Due to his international commitments, he will not be joining up with the rest of Eddie Howe’s squad in Dubai but will be ready to go when United travel to face Tottenham on April 3.
