LAUTOKA (Fiji): New Zealand ruined their chances of a perfect record in the Oceania zone World Cup qualifying series with a shock 2-0 defeat to Fiji yesterday, but still go through to the next stage of qualifying.

New Zealand will play the fifth ranked Asian team next year for a place in the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa but the last Oceania match belonged to Fiji striker Roy Krishna.

Fiji had managed just one win from their first five matches in the four-team qualifying round but Krishna struck twice in the second half against New Zealand to ensure the series ended on a high note.

New Zealand won their first five matches, securing top spot in the Oceania qualifying, and with nothing at stake both teams used the match as an opportunity to blood new players.

New Zealand's inexperience showed as they were unable to capitalise on a wealth of possession and at least five good shots on goal in the scoreless first spell.
Keeper Glen Moss opened the door for Fiji when he was sent off in the 59th minute for dissent.

Replacement Jacob Spoonley's first action on the field was picking the ball out of the back of the net four minutes later, after Krishna ran into space in the box and hit the ball low and hard to his right.

Fiji had to withstand more pressure from the New Zealanders before Krishna struck again in the 90th minute, taking a cross and deftly working the ball around defender Steven Old to blast home from six metres.