A Stephen Carmichael hat trick has seen the Young All Whites defeat Uzbekistan 4-1 in their opening game of the U-17 Football World Cup in Mexico this morning.
Carmichael's scored in the 10th and 36th minutes, before Uzbekistan striker Timur Khakimov pulled one back in the 39th minute.
Leading 2-1 at the break, New Zealand restored their two goal lead in the 53rd minute, with Carmichael netting his third.
The Central United midfielder was subbed in the 67th minute for James Debenham as New Zealand looked to hold on to the lead, before Waitakere City's Jordan Vale put the result beyond question with a 87th minute goal.
The game was played in difficult conditions, with temperatures at Estadio Torrean reaching 38 degrees Celsius.
Kiwi keeper Scott Basalaj was one of the Young All Whites' standouts as he was forced to make a number of saves, with Uzbekistan getting 22 shots away, seven of which were on target.
New Zealand's next group D match is against the Czech Republic on Thursday before they take on the United States on Sunday.
- NZ Herald staff
Soccer: NZ wins first game at U-17 Football World Cup
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