The All Whites have drawn 1-1 with world number 31 Norway in Oslo, ending the home side’s nine-match winning run dating back to November 2024.

Even without star striker Erling Haaland, Norway fielded a side packed with talent from across Europe’s top leagues.

All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley made two changes to the team that faced Poland, with Ben Old replacing Callum McCowatt and Chris Wood coming in for Ben Waine.

Wood’s inclusion saw the All Whites captain earn his 88th cap, drawing level with Ivan Vicelich as the nation’s joint all-time appearance leader.

New Zealand started brightly and within 10 minutes had a chance to take the lead when Ben Old was played through on goal by Sarpreet Singh, but Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland was quick off his line to smother the danger.

Two minutes later, the All Whites had the ball in the net when Marko Stamenić reacted first to a parried free-kick, but VAR ruled it out for a marginal offside.

On the stroke of half-time, the breakthrough finally came.

 

A Francis de Vries free-kick from wide on the left found Michael Boxall inside the box, who headed the ball back across goal for the onrushing Finn Surman to slide home.

Surman’s momentum saw him crash into the post, but his commitment gave the All Whites a deserved half-time lead.

The second half began much as the first had ended, with Bazeley’s side on the front foot and creating chances.

In the 48th minute, Chris Wood met a Francis de Vries cross from the left, only to see his well-struck effort cannon off the woodwork. 

Moments later, Singh won the ball high up the pitch and crossed towards Wood, but the striker couldn’t quite stretch far enough to convert what would have been an easy finish.

As the half wore on, Norway began to find their rhythm and carve out opportunities.

On the hour mark, Alex Paulsen produced a brilliant one-handed save to deny Benfica’s Andreas Schjelderup, who had broken clear through on goal.

Just two minutes later, though, the hosts found their equaliser. 

Substitute Antonio Nusa, lively since coming on, curled the ball into the top corner from close range to cap off a slick attacking move.

Both sides pushed for a winner, trading chances at either end.

In the 78th minute, Tim Payne’s cross evaded the Norwegian defence and found Ben Old unmarked at the far post, but his header was saved.

At the other end, Norway came close five minutes from time when Sander Berge struck the post after arriving late in the box.

It was an entertaining contest full of attacking intent from both sides, and an encouraging result for the All Whites as they continue to build towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Full-time:

All Whites 1 (45+1’ Finn Surman)
Norway 1 (60’ Antonio Nusa)

Article added: Wednesday 15 October 2025