Finland make strong start to New Zealand series with victory over the hosts

The match proved a major letdown for New Zealand, marking a faltering beginning to their preparations for the FIFA World Cup.

With Teemu Pukki's retirement from international duty, the spot for Finland's starting centre-forward remains open, and 31-year-old Joel Pohjanpalo made a solid case for himself halfway through the opening period by nodding in Leo Walta's corner from the far post.

Throughout the game, both teams created promising opportunities, with the highlight being Walta's powerful long-range effort from more than 25 yards that struck the crossbar's underside and bounced away.

However, the Eagle Owls secured the win just five minutes before the end, as Topi Keskinen found himself pushed to the flank during a counter, yet cleverly passed across to Jaakko Oksanen on the run, whose shot proved too potent for keeper Max Crocombe.

This marks Jacob Friis' team’s second consecutive victory and clean sheet, following their 4-0 triumph over Andorra to close out 2025. Next up for the Finns is a clash with Cape Verde at Eden Park in Auckland; should they prevail and Chile falter against New Zealand, Finland will claim the four-nation tournament.