Chris Wood scored a second straight hat for New Zealand, as they arrived at a World Cup-and was then held to sign autographs on the stands.
Wood, 33, hit a hat-trick in Fiji’s 7-0 defeat in a World Cup qualifier on Friday and was replaced in a persistent cheer after his third goal in Wellington.
Nottingham Forest striker headed straight to the stands to sign autographs and take his photo with the fans.
🇳🇿📸 Chris Wood received a yellow card for signature autographs in the crowd after retreat after Hattrick against Fiji
Never change, Woodsy 🖊️🤣 pic.twitter.com/psrvvmrkq5
– Fernshub (@fernshub) March 21 2025
However, Wood’s Goodwill act suffered the rage of referee Norbert Hauata, who warned the striker as he returned to his side because the game continued.
“If that is the rules, this is the rule,” Wood said. “I did something nice and I was trying to sign for the fans.”
All Whites will meet New Caledonia in the Oceania final that will qualify for Auckland on Monday as they are trying to close their first point in the World Cup from South Africa 2010.
Wood has enjoyed a great season in the Premier League and also scored a hat-trick in the previous New Zealand qualifying last year, a 8-0 win over Samoa.
He added: “We know how good the new Caledonia is and we have to be ready for them.
“We know they will cause us problems. We have to focus well now and be ready to go on Monday.”
