By Shelley Cameron
After a demanding schedule that saw three pool matches played in as many days under energy-sapping conditions, the New Zealand Masters side approached their semifinal clash against Taiwan with a mix of fatigue and determination.
After a win and two losses in pool play, the New Zealand team progressed to the semi final of the Bowl.
Following a morning spent giving back to the local community through a coaching clinic with Thai youth, the squad focused on recovery and regrouping ahead of Friday’s encounter.
READ MORE: Convincing win not enough for the New Zealand Masters in Thailand >>
The opening quarter was a tight and tactical affair, with both sides prioritising possession and control through the middle third.
Clear-cut chances were limited, though Taiwan came closest to breaking the deadlock when a goal-bound effort was dramatically cleared off the line by centre back Craig Alderdice, ensuring the scores remained level.
New Zealand lifted their intensity in the second quarter, beginning to assert control and apply sustained pressure. An early foul on the Taiwanese goalkeeper from a dangerous free-kick opportunity, then back-to-back corners tested the defence.
In the second corner, Regan Cameron timed his run to perfection, glancing a header in at the near post to give New Zealand a deserved 1–0 lead.
The Kiwis continued to press and were rewarded again just minutes later. Tim Butterfield delivered a pinpoint cross into the area, where Simon George rose to meet it and double the advantage. The 2–0 halftime lead reflected New Zealand’s growing dominance.
Photo: Coaching clinic with locals
READ MORE: Late penalty denies New Zealand Masters opening win in Thailand >>
Both teams introduced fresh legs in the second half, but it did little to halt New Zealand’s momentum.
Miroslav Malivuk extended the lead after being played through one-on-one, calmly rounding the goalkeeper before finishing with composure.
Shortly after, Darren Cheriton capitalised on a misplaced Taiwanese pass, spotting the keeper off his line and executing a superb chip to make it 4–0 by the end of the third quarter.
With confidence flowing, New Zealand began to express themselves with flair in the final period. Tuione Faleafa surged forward from left back and delivered a dangerous cross that Malivuk converted for his second goal of the match — his fifth of the tournament.
The scoring was capped by Luis Corrales, who produced a moment of individual brilliance, weaving past multiple defenders before finishing emphatically to seal a commanding 6–0 victory.
It was a complete performance from the Kiwi side, combining defensive resilience, clinical finishing, and attacking creativity. The result sets up a final-day showdown against tournament hosts Thailand, who secured a 4–1 win in the other semifinal.
New Zealand will look to carry this momentum into their final match as they aim to finish the tournament on a high.
Final Score:
New Zealand 6 (Regan Cameron, Simon George, Miroslav Malivuk 2, Darren Cheriton, Luis Corrales)
Taiwan 0
Photo: coaching clinic for locals
READ MORE: New Zealand over 40s return to Thailand for Seniors World Cup >>
Seniors World Cup
The Seniors World Cup is an annual invitational tournament for players over 40, organised by the Seniors Football Association of Thailand and supported by the Thai FA. This year’s tournament is the 18th edition, and is being held in Ubon Ratchathani, a city on the Mun River, about 615km from Bangkok.
The annual invitational tournament has again drawn a strong international field, with eight countries taking part: England, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Taiwan, the United States, Laos and France, who are competing at the tournament for the first time.
2025 New Zealand Over-40s
Nick van Hattan, Regan Cameron, Craig Alderdice, Nicholas Longley, Paul Seaman, Darren Cheriton, Hicham Kamri, Timothy Butterfield, Miroslav Malivuk, Raf de Gregorio, Isaac Duker, Jared McElhannan, Ersel Kizilay, Simon George, Allen Chote, Steven McMahon, Dave Ure, Tuione Faleafa, Graham Little, Luis Corrales, James Cudd, Matt West, Paul Whitmarsh, Kevin Thompson, Richard Gillespie.
Physio: Susanne Duker.
Management and support team: Dave Copson, Dave Batty, Graham Little, Shelley Cameron, Marko Malivuk, James Little, Martin Van Hattun, Lauren Haller.
Some games are livestreamed on the Facebook channel: https://www.facebook.com/sfathailand
You can follow along with team updates on the NZ Masters Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/714624220485116
This story was published on June 8, 2026.