#Auckland
New Zealand will play at next year's Women's Soccer World Cup in Brazil after beating Papua New Guinea 1-0 on Wednesday in the final of the Oceania Confederation Qualifying Series.
Sunderland midfielder Katie Kitching scored the only goal of the match in the 55th minute, sending New Zealand to a World Cup for the seventh time.
Papua New Guinea still has a chance to qualify through an inter-continental playoff during the international window in November or December.
New Zealand was denied twice by VAR, four times by the woodwork and repeatedly by Papua New Guinea goalkeeper Betty Sam who was outstanding in a hard-working defense.
Deven Jackson appeared to have scored from Rebecca Stott's through ball in the 32nd minute but the VAR showed Jackson had been caught by PNG's offside trap.
New Zealand was awarded a penalty in first half stoppage time after Maya Hahn was brought down in the box but the decision was overturned after the officials considered replays for more than five minutes.
England get past Spain
Meanwhile, England came out on top again in its latest clash with Spain, winning 1-0 in a Women's World Cup qualifier at Wembley Stadium.
Lauren Hemp's third-minute strike settled the game that leaves European champion England top of Group A3 with a 100% record.The 2027 Women's World Cup will be staged in Brazil. AP