26 May, 2017
The Junior All Whites have put on a clinical performance to beat Honduras 3-1 at Cheonan Stadium in South Korea, giving themselves a great chance of progressing to the knockout stages of the Federation Internationale de Football Association U-20 World Cup.
Two years ago, when New Zealand hosted the tournament, four points proved enough to advance through their group at a men's under-20 tournament for the first time.
They might not even need to worry about that, however, as they will finish no worse than second should Vietnam not beat Honduras the same day.
Noah Billingsley had the ball in the net from a corner but the referee had already pointed to the penalty spot, presenting Bevan with the opportunity to score again in the 56th minute.
Virginia-based Joe Bell was influential in midfield and set up the second goal, delivering a free kick which was headed home by Hunter Ashworth.
They were able to strike shortly after the break, however, when an Ashworth mistake in the box allowed Jorge Alvarez to fire home and make it 2-1, following up a shot that had rebounded off the crossbar.
But the result was put to bed seven minutes later after New Zealand was awarded a penalty for a player being brought down in the box during a corner with Bevan converting easily.
New Zealand were not made to pay though as Honduras threw everything at them but were expertly repelled by a strong defensive performance and the safe hands of goalkeeper Michael Woud, who had few saves to make but gathered cleanly whenever called upon.
Myer Bevan scored two goals in his side's 3-1 win over Honduras at the Federation Internationale de Football Association U20 World Cup in South Korea.
Myer Bevan of New Zealand and Denil Maldonado of Honduras battle for control of the ball during their Federation Internationale de Football Association U-20 World Cup match in South Korea.
New Zealand will face France on Sunday with anything more than a heavy loss likely getting them through to the knockouts.
