Sunderland goalkeeper Michael Woud made his New Zealand debut on Thursday evening.
The 19-year-old, who moved to the Stadium of Light in 2016, started for the All Whites in their 2-1 HERO Intercontinental Cup win over India in Mumbai, as fellow Academy of Light prospect Sam Brotherton also featured.
After goalless first-half, India took the lead as Liberato Cacace dallied in possession and sent a sloppy back pass towards Woud, but despite beating Sunil Chhetri to the ball, the stopper’s attempted clearance ricocheted off the Indian skipper and into the net.
Two minutes later, Andre De Jong levelled on his first start for the senior side, as the striker slotted a comfortable finish into the net.
And with five minutes remaining New Zealand bagged the winner, Moses Dyer squeezing his effort beyond Amrinder Singh and into the net.
New Zealand are on course to reach the final, with Kenya needing to beat Chinese Taipei by three or more goals in the final group game to edge ahead of the All Whites.