New Zealand’s quest to play in the Olympic Games moved a step closer overnight and a Brentford player could grace that elite world stage.
Goalkeeper Nik Tzanev is in New Zealand’s Under-23 squad for the Pacific Games tournament which doubles as qualification for the 2016 Olympic Games, which will be held in Rio de Janeiro and start next August.
New Zealand beat hosts Papua New Guinea 1-0 in the early hours of the morning, but Nik was an unused substitute.
That was their second win and they are guaranteed to be in the Olympic qualification semi-finals whatever happens in their final group stage match against New Caledonia.
The winner of the tournament overall will qualify for the Olympic Games.
Nik, 18, is one of three goalkeepers in the Under-23 squad, he has three Under-20 caps and is still waiting for his debut at the higher level.