OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2018

New Zealand celebrate winning the OFC U-19 Championship 2018, Final, New Zealand v Tahiti, Stade Pater, Tahiti, Saturday 18th August 2018. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / www.phototek.nz

The 22nd edition of the OFC U-19 Championship took place in 2018 and doubled as qualification for the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup™ in Poland. It was the first edition to be re-named to the Under-19 Championship, even though the rule was changed in 2016. The tournament was hosted by Tahiti and was contested by eight nations.

Tahiti’s Moana Pito makes a save. OFC U-19 Championship 2018, Semi-final 2, Solomon Islands v Tahiti, Stade Pater, Tahiti, Wednesday 15th August 2018. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / www.phototek.nz

A decisive second half goal from Trevor Zwetsloot ensured New Zealand defeated hosts Tahiti 1-0 in the final and claimed their seventh OFC U-19 Championship title.

A 5-0 victory over Honduras and a 2-0 win over Norway carried New Zealand into the knockout stages of the FIFA U-20 World Cup™ for the third successive edition in 2019 in Poland. They pushed Colombia hard in the round of sixteen but lost in a penalty shootout after finishing 1-1 following extra-time.

LODZ, POLAND – MAY 27: Gianni Stensness of New Zealand celebrates scoring during the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup group C match between Norway and New Zealand at Lodz Stadium on May 27, 2019 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Stephen Pond – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)