All Whites hold nerve to beat Panama in Kirin Cup
The All Whites have advanced to the Kirin Cup final in Japan after beating Panama in a penalty shootout in Yokohama 5-3 in the penalty shootout after scores were locked 1-1 at regular time.
Chris Wood joined the starting lineup as did Alex Rufer and Michael Boxhall for New Zealand who were ranked 85th against the Central Americans at 33 in the FIFA rankings.
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It was Elijah Just's 50 appearance for New Zealand in 55 maatches for the All Whites in that time since his debut in November 2019.
New Zealand were first on the scorecard when Marko Stamenić found the back of the net after 13 minutes
New Zealand looked like leading into the break but Panama star Govany Herbert scored an equaliser for Panama just on halftime.
The second half saw a host of personnel changes and neither team really found their rhythm. In the end it came down to which team could score off the spot.
Tyler Bindon, Marko Stamenić, Moses Dyer, Lachlan Bayliss and finally Boxall all held their nerve to secure victory for New Zealand. There was also a top save from kiwi keeper Alex Paulsen.
The team will now head to the final at Tokyo National Stadium on Monday 5 October.
