New Zealand is through to the last 16 of the under-20 World Cup in Poland. Photo / Getty
A brilliant strike from defender Gianni Stensness against Norway has propelled New Zealand into the last 16 of the under-20 World Cup in Poland.
The ball fell to Stensness, who plays for the Wellington Phoenix, in the 71st minute and he blasted it from outside of the penalty area for the game's first goal.
Commentators are labelling it the goal of the tournament so far.
New Zealand won 2 - 0 over the team which had beaten the 2017 champions England in qualification, their second coming thanks to an own goal from Norway's John Kitolano.
Stensness said the opportunity "looked so attractive" when the ball fell to him on the right side.
"You never expect those to go in," said Stensness, who blasted it to the far side of the net.
""I just hit it. It felt like a bit of a dream. It didn't feel real...I was running off celebrating."
New Zealand beat the Honduras 5 - 0 and now top Group C over powerful Uruguay, who they meet in the final group game.
Coach Des Buckingham said: "I'm delighted...it's hugely pleasing. The players have worked extremely hard."
Liberato Cacace and Sarpreet Singh were among the stars in the win over Norway.
New Zealand (from): 1. Michael Woud (GK), 2. George Stanger, 3. Dalton Wilkins, 4. Gianni Stensness, 5. Nando Pijnaker, 6. Dane Schnell, 7. Elijah Just, 8. Joe Bell (c), 9. Max Mata, 10. Sarpreet Singh, 11. Matt Conroy, 12. Cameron Brown (GK), 13. Liberato Cacace, 14. Leon van den Hoven, 15. Trevor Zwetsloot, 16. Dominic Wooldridge, 17. Callan Elliot, 18. Ben Waine, 19. Callum McCowatt, 20. Willem Ebbinge, 21. Zac Jones
Coach: Des Buckingham
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