Burnley forward Chris Wood got the only goal as New Zealand recorded their first win in Olympic history at the Tokyo Games.
The Clarets’ leading Premier League scorer was on target in the second half as the Kiwis ran out 1-0 winners against the Korea Republic in Kashima.
The striker pounced on a loose ball and slotted home from close range. The goal was initially flagged for offside, but it was eventually given following a lengthy VAR review.
70' GOOAAALLL CHRIS WOOD
— New Zealand Football (@NZ_Football) July 22, 2021
Woodsy makes it 1-0 to @TheNZTeam after the offside call was overturned! pic.twitter.com/mtJn8LT4AU
The result sends the Kiwis top of Group B, with Honduras and Romania kicking off at noon.
Wood - who arrived at Turf Moor in 2017 for a club-record fee - reached double figures in the Premier League for the fourth successive season last term.
The 29-year-old was was a rookie when the New Zealand men's side last competed at the Olympics back in 2012.
Wood and his teammates are back in action against Honduras on Sunday morning (KO 9am) as they look to reach the knockout rounds.
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