Soccer-Excited New Zealand turn eyes towards World Cup playoff

Soccer Football - International Friendly - Republic of Ireland v New Zealand - Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland - November 14, 2019 New Zealand coach Danny Hay before the match Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - New Zealand coach Danny Hay was proud that his team progressed through Oceania's qualification with a 100% record but is under no illusions that getting to the World Cup finals remains a tough task.

The All Whites, playing in black, took a big step towards qualifying for the finals for the first time since 2010 with a 5-0 win over the Solomon Islands in the Oceania qualifying final in Qatar on Wednesday.