Fijian midfielder Grace Jale scored a hat-trick of goals and set up another as New Zealand thrashed the Fiji Kulas 7-1 in the second semifinal of the OFC Olympic Qualifiers in Samoa today.
The 24-year-old Perth Glory star was a class apart and used her experience well against the Fijians who were unorganised from the first whistle.
Indiah-Paige Riley netted the opener at the 6th minute.
The momentum continued as Riley got her second and Jacqueline Hand also registered her name twice with Jale also contributing to the scoreline, pushing New Zealand ahead to a commanding 5-0 lead by halftime.
Fiji Kulas struggled to mount any significant attacks in the first half.
In the second half, Jale completed her hat-trick, after finding the target twice to seal the deal for the Kiwis.
Fiji saw a goalkeeper change due to an injury, with Selai Tikoisuva making way for Seruwaia Vasuitoga.
Subsequent strategic substitutions were made by Fiji, with Sofi Diyalowai and captain Unaisi Tuberi being replaced, handing over the captaincy to Cema Nasau.
The game also saw Nasau receiving the only yellow card, however she managed to score a consolation goal for Fiji in added time from a free kick by Angeline Rekha.
Fiji will now compete for the third place against host Samoa on Monday while New Zealand will battle in the final against the Solomon Islands.
