Jordan helps NZ to a winning start

Wednesday 12th January 2011, 2:30PM GMT.

Rhys Jordan on the ball for New Zealand under-17s against Vanuatu. (1076895)

SARNIAN Rhys Jordan helped his adopted country to a flying start in their campaign to qualify for the Fifa Under-17 World Cup.

Jordan played the full 90 minutes of New Zealand’s first game in the OFC under-17 championship, doubling up as the qualifiers for the World Cup in Mexico this June.

The all-whites thrashed Vanuatu 5-1, despite their opponents being regarded as one of the toughest assignments, underlining New Zealand’s status as tournament favourites.

Jordan enjoyed a fine opening to the game, during which time he set a teammate away with a fine cross-field ball, before providing an assist for the second goal after only 14 minutes.