ON THE LINE: Papua New Guinea's Koriak Upaiga goes up against All Whites Shane Smeltz.

The All Whites have survived 39 degree heat and a plucky Papua New Guinea performance to secure a 2-1 win and advance to the semifinals of the Oceania Nations Cup.

Shane Smeltz and Chris Wood were on target either side of half-time today in the 2-1 group B win over PNG in the Solomon Islands capital of Honiara.

There was late drama when Neil Hans scored from the penalty spot in the 88th minute after a Tony Lochhead handball but the All Whites were able to hang on.

Smeltz opened the scoring after just three minutes as PNG's defence allowed the prolific striker far too much space in the penalty box.

Jeremy Brockie - who started on the right of midfield ahead of Leo Bertos - whipped in a cross and Smeltz connected for a simple header.

It was Smeltz' 19th international goal and he is developing a good understanding with Brockie after the same duo combined for the goal in last week's 1-0 win over Honduras.

At that point the All Whites could be forgiven for thinking it was going to be plain sailing but after the opening 10 minutes PNG often looked the better side and New Zealand were flat in the searing heat and oppressive humidity.

Poor defending from the All Whites twice allowed PNG players free headers from corners but Frank Farina's men weren't able to hit the target and it cost them.

Smeltz turned provider as New Zealand scored their second on the counter attack in the 53rd minute, receiving a Michael McGlinchey pass and crossing for Wood who finished off cooly.

The three points, on the back of the 1-0 win over Fiji, means the All Whites have secured a spot in the semifinals and progression to the next round of World Cup qualifying after The Solomon Islands and Fiji drew 0-0 in the day's other game from group B.

All Whites coach Ricki Herbert made three changes to the starting XI that beat Fiji.

Jake Gleeson played well in goal in place of Mark Paston, who suffered a nasty head knock on Saturday, and Brockie and Wood came in for Bertos and Marco Rojas.