Newcastle ace Chris Wood becomes New Zealand’s all-time top goalscorer

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Newcastle United forward Chris Wood has become New Zealand’s all-time top goalscorer following his brace against Fiji.

The 30-year-old became his country’s record marksman last night in the Kiwis’ 4-0 World Cup qualifying win.

The towering striker bagged his 29th and 30th goals for his nation in his 62nd cap, overtaking the record set by Vaughan Coveny.

Wood has been New Zealand’s main man ever since he made his international debut back in June 2009 and 13 years later he has put himself in the record books.

He equalled Coveny’s record with a trademark towering header from close range which was very similar to the goal he scored to open his account for the Toon Army, in the 2-1 win against Southampton earlier this month.

After breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, the former Burnley man put the finishing touches to a sharp counter-attack 30 minutes later by slotting home an effort passed the Fiji goalkeeper.

With two wins out of two from their OFC (Oceania Football Confederation) Qualification group, New Zealand will be hoping their talisman can fire them to this winter’s showpiece in Qatar.

Currently sat top of their qualification group, if the Kiwis maintain their position they will face off against the fourth-placed team in the CONCACAF qualifying section in an inter-confederation play-off.

As it stands, New Zealand would face off against Panama, who sit one point above Costa Rica, for a spot in the biggest football tournament in the world.

Wood, who was signed by the Clarets for £25m (BBC Sport) in the January transfer window, has started all ten of Newcastle’s Premier League games since arriving on Tyneside.

Following his international exploits, Wood’s confidence will likely be sky high and he will no doubt be eager to improve on his one solitary goal for Eddie Howe’s side.

But Chris Wood’s short-term focus will be on helping the Kiwis beat New Caledonia, who sit bottom of the qualification group, and improving on his impressive goalscoring return on Thursday.

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