OFC: The Solomon Islands were the only movers of the Oceania nations in the latest FIFA ranking released on 25 June. The Solomon Islands moved up on place to occupy the 150th spot, just one behind Melanesian rivals Fiji who dropped three spots to 149.

Australia and New Zealand retain their first and second rank in Oceania respectively but both countries lost ground from the May ranking. Australia are in danger of falling out of the top fifty dropping one spot to 50 while New Zealand dropped two spots to be three behind Australia on 53.

Tonga recorded the biggest drop, falling five places to 183. Samoa and Papua New Guinea stay as they were in May at 168 and 169 respectively, while Vanuatu lost ground, dropping down a single slot to 162. Tahiti dropped two places but is still ranked the highest of the island nations at 122. The Cook Islands fell two places to 188 while American Samoa remains on 202.

In the full FIFA rankings, world champion Brazil is still out on top in first place, but France is closing in fast from second place and their recent good showing at the FIFA Confederations Cup is continued all the way - and considering Brazil's demise in the group stages, could see some surprises in one month's time.

Spain, Argentina, Netherlands, Germany, Turkey, England, United States and the Czech Republic rounds out the top ten, in that order. It is interesting to note that the world's fifth placed team Netherlands and tenth best Czech Republic, did not even qualify for last year's FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan.

The only full internationals played by Oceania nations over the past month was on 14 June when Solomon Islands played Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby (Solomon Islands won 5-3) and New Zealand's three matches (all losses) to Japan, Colombia and France at the Confederations Cup in France.

For the full FIFA rankings for OFC, visit the FIFA website by clicking on this link:

http://www.fifa.com/en/rank/results,ofc.html

OFC: It was last year in Suva during a meeting between the OFC and South Pacific Games Council that football's return to the South Pacific Games became a reality. It was agreed the tournament would be run under FIFA regulations paving the way for the world's most popular game to once again take centre stage in the most important sporting event in the Pacific Islands.

The last South Pacific Games football tournament was held in 1995 and was won by hosts Tahiti, who are the most successful country since the South Pacific Games started in 1963 winning the gold medal five times (once as French Polynesia in 1966). New Caledonia has won the title on four occasions with Fiji the only country to have won in 1991 when the Games were hosted by Papua New Guinea.

Since 1995, the standard of football in the Pacific Islands has increased dramatically and at youth level, the gaps have closed considerably with the two Oceania giants of Australia and New Zealand.

The island nations still lag behind those two countries in terms of player base, resources and experience of its players consistently exposed to a higher level of football overseas. But local development and passion for the game is progressing rapidly and some of the island nations such as Fiji, Vanuatu, Tahiti, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands have already begun exporting their best talent to Australia and New Zealand to gain more experience.

In light of the progress being made in the island nations, the 2003 South Pacific Games football tournament is expected to be the most fiercely contested in years. Most of the island nations entered for the men's group are very serious about winning the gold medal going by their respective preparations leading up to the SP Games which commences on 28 June.

Tahiti has twice had camps since the beginning of the year. New Caledonia has completed a tour of Australia. Fiji has had several camps over the past four months and just finished a tough three match series with the visiting Victoria State Federation team from Australia. Many of the players also toured with the Fiji select team to Australia late last year. The Solomon Islands played a two-match series with visiting Australian club team Palm Beach and last week travelled to Port Moresby to play Papua New Guinea in a friendly international. Vanuatu has also had six warm-up games against top premier clubs in Port Vila.

Here's how the leading contenders stack up:

TAHITI: The reigning champions are reluctantly tagged as favourites, but team coach and Tahiti Football Federation technical director, Patrick Jacquemet confided that it will be extremely difficult to defend their title given the rapid improvements being made in the region. He believes any of six island nations can win the gold medal and predicts an intense competitive struggle between all the teams.

Officially, Tahiti is the top ranked island nation in the FIFA rankings released monthly. After its third placing at the 2002 OFC Nations Cup, Tahiti leapfrogged the Fijians. Jacquemet believes the disappointing showing in Auckland last July will motivate Fiji in rising to the occasion especially in front of their home supporters.

A fortunate draw means Tahiti has avoided facing Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands in the pool stages but will expect a torrid time none-the-less from New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea. Tonga's physical style may also unsettle the Tahitians.

On paper though, Tahiti has one of the strongest squads built on experience and strength in all positions with perhaps a question mark on their defence. The key players are definitely strikers Felix Tagawa and Naea Bennett. Tagawa is the stronger scorer of the pair and this year signed a contract to play for the Brisbane Strikers in Australia's National Soccer League scoring a goal on debut. Tahiti also has a versatile midfield with attacking playmaker Tony Senechal and Teva Zaveroni teaming up with defensive specialist and incumbent captain Tetahio Auraa. Steve Fatipua provides speed on the flanks from wing back. Tahiti's play is very structured and more organised in contrast to the open styles adopted by the Melanesian countries. The French influence and experience makes for a team capable of maintaining its composure in pressure-cooker situations which will be vital in Fiji.

FIJI: Playing at home and with plenty of motivation to fuel the players, the Fijians are strongly predicted to be the team to challenge the Tahitians in a dream final. But it won't be as easy as many think, in fact just to make the semi-finals will be an achievement in itself with the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to contend with in the pool stages.

They are the two teams most likely to cause the Fijians problems and under the format, only two of the three will advance to the semi-finals from their group. Fiji has a score to settle in the all important first match against Vanuatu. Vanuatu toppled Fiji 1-0 at last year's OFC Nations Cup.

The fallout has seen a change in coaches from Billy Singh, to Les Scheinflug, and now Tony Buesnel. The Solomon Islands will also be a difficult assignment with their attacking flair, perhaps the most potent of all the teams. Fiji's all round strength and skill coupled with its physical superiority cannot be underestimated however.

The most obvious weakness is in its defence which has received more bad news with the omission of experienced central defender Viliame Toma for disciplinary reasons. Australian based striker Esala Masi will be the team's match-winner. But the midfield will have to step up its service if he is to make an impact. The other factor that has the potential to undo the team are the high expectations of the locals and pressure to win with morale not as high as in past years. How the team handles the pressure will determine their fate.

SOLOMON ISLANDS: National coach George Cowie was understandably disappointed after the poor showing of the Solomon Islands during last year's OFC Nations Cup.

With such a talented line-up at his disposal, the national team drew against Papua New Guinea, was outclassed by New Zealand then blew a 2-0 lead against Tahiti to lose 3-2. No excuses were offered, but Cowie did they the team was better on a better playing surface referring to the dismal condition of the North Harbour ground which was affected much by the adverse weather in New Zealand at that time of the year.

With the need to redress last year's disappointments and also losing in the SP Games final in 1995, there is motivation aplenty.

On paper, the Solomon Islands have awesome strike power in the form of veteran Batram Suri and Australian based duo, Commins Menapi and Henry Fa'arodo. Cowie has had mixed success trying to blend this talent into a winning combination but they have been impressive in their recent warm-up matches winning all three against quality opposition.

The lead up form is a marked contrast to last year and the sight of Fa'arodo, Menapi and Suri running freely and most importantly scoring goals is something that will be on the back of the minds of the other teams, particularly Fiji and Vanuatu. While the Solomons have the marquee names to suggest they will be one of the most exciting attacking sides in Fiji, their defence will need to be equal to the task.

VANUATU: Vanuatu is a sleeping giant and will be a will be a force to reckon with in Fiji. Vanuatu is definitely the most improved of the island nations over the past two years.

They have an excellent young team led superbly by former Australian assistant and Uruguayan born coach/technical director Carlos Buzzetti. Their strengths lay in sound organisation all-round, competent defensive backs and a brilliant midfield led by Australian based Seimata Chilia, who was one of the stars of the 2002 OFC Nations Cup.

The squad is essentially young and lack the experience of the other big teams such as Tahiti, Fiji and the Solomon Islands. But under Buzzetti the core of the players have been together since the 1999-2000 season and have developed a good understanding on the field.

Buzzetti has resisted promoting several of his young up and coming stars from the highly successful national U-17 and U-20 squads opting only for defender Roger Joe to make graduate to the senior side. The Vanuatu Football Federation released rising youngsters Jean Emmanuel (Victor) Maleb and Charlie Ligo to join the Otago Youth team for next month's Milk Cup in Northern Ireland.

While Vanuatu has shown in recent internationals the ability to win big games, where it is weak is up front. Striker Richard Iwai is the only recognised scoring threat and was a star for Vanuatu at the 2000 OFC Nations Cup in Tahiti, but he was below his best in Auckland last year and will be looking for a better outing in Fiji where his speed and dribbling will be a factor on the hard grounds there.

Vanuatu's low scoring output of late contributed to its loss to Tahiti in the 2002 OFC Nations Cup playoff for third and fourth where it dominated most of the play but was unable to score, while Tahiti won the match through taking its opportunity and finishing third behind winners New Zealand and second placed Australia.

NEW CALEDONIA: New Caledonia have two talented strikers in Ramon Djamali and Michel Hmae who were the top two goal scorers in the Tahiti Division d'honneur national league this year. They also have experience aplenty in the midfield and defence.

And unlike previous years, the current national side will arrive in Fiji well prepared having finished a gruelling 15 day, six match tour of Australia. The Serge De Novack coached side won six from seven dropping the solitary game in controversial circumstances when at half-time and trailing by 1-0, the goal post broke and as unable to be repaired in time forcing the referee to end the match prematurely with the win handed to the home side.

The New Caledonia team will no doubt be a much improved outfit than the one which was disappointing at last year's OFC Nations Cup. They have their star players available and are much better prepared, physically and mentally.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Former New Zealand assistant, Steve Cain, has steadily nurtured a new crop of players over in Papua New Guinea and many of them will make their national team debuts in Fiji.

The squad has been chosen with next January's Olympic Qualifiers in mind. Experienced veterans such as Joe Aisa and Francis Moiyap are missing, but there is enough experience in the form of Richard Daniel, Reginald Davani, Desmond Sow and Paul Komboi to make PNG a genuine contender.

The team is young but exciting in the midfield and forward positions. An under strength PNG held their own in a recent friendly international against a full strength Solomon Islands team going down to two late penalties late in the second half to go down 3-5. PNG held the Solomons to a nil all draw at last year's OFC Nations Cup and were not at their best on a bad pitch but still played with credit in a 1-3 loss to Tahiti.

There is enough talent and experience in this team for their opponents not to underestimate them.

* Please note that the final confirmed match schedules and match official appointments will be released soon. A media guide for the tournament will also be placed as a pdf link on the OFC website when final details come through. Full information, updates and results will also be available as from 28 June when the South Pacific Games commence. An exclusive website is already linked on the homepage of the OFC website where coverage of the football tournament can be accessed. This website can also be accessed by visiting www.oceaniasport.com and clicking on football.

OFC: Vanuatu technical director and national coach, Carlos Buzzetti, says the pressure is on Fiji and not his team ahead of its crucial first up clash against the South Pacific Games hosts at Suva's National Stadium next Monday, 30 June.

In an interview with the OFC Website newswire, the Uruguayan-born former Australian assistant admitted his disappointment at being handed a tough draw which sees them playing first Fiji then the Solomon Islands the following day. But he refuses to believe the pressure will be solely on Vanuatu.

"Certainly the first game will be hard, but we do not have any pressure. Fiji on the other hand will be under a lot of pressure," said Buzzetti.

"It will be a hard game and hopefully a skilful game for the people to enjoy."

Buzzetti believes playing at home and with public pressure to perform after last year's below par results will place added pressure on Fiji, who lost to Vanuatu in the last meeting of the two teams at the 2002 OFC Nations Cup. On that occasion in Auckland, Vanuatu won 1-0 but could have won by more.

But in Fiji's advantage is the preparation they have had compared to Vanuatu. Fiji has just come off a physical series against the visiting Victoria State team from Australia. Vanuatu on the other hand have only played meaningless warm up games against local clubs winning them all easily.

Fiji coach Tony Buesnel also has key player Esala Masi fully fit as well as his other potent strike weapon, Veresa Toma. Masi has been named Fiji's captain. Fiji's worries lie in its defence where Victoria were able to expose during the three matches winning twice and drawing the last match.

Vanuatu returns much of its squad from 2002 and is also buoyed by the return of Seimata Chilia from Australia to orchestrate the plays from central midfield. Vanuatu is sound all-round and is defensively adept. Where they may need to improve is up front where they need to score more goals. Half the squad will form Vanuatu's Olympic squad for next year's Oceania qualifiers.

Photo: Fiji star Esala Masi on the attack in the upset 0-1 loss to Vanuatu at the 2002 OFC Nations Cup. The Fijian captain will be out for revenge when the two teams meet again in Suva on 30 June. courtesy FFA website.

VANUATU FOOTBALL FEDERATION (VFF)

VACANCY:

The post of TECHNICAL DIRECTOR AND NATIONAL COACH at the head quarters of the Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) in Port Vila will be vacant as of 11th August 2003. The VFF therefore invites applications for the above post.

Major Responsibilities:

* Coach national teams;

* Manage Technical (Coaching) Department;

* Train and Develop the Assistant Coaches;

* Design and contact coaching courses and programmes;

* Monitor the existing development programs;

* Submit monthly reports to the Executive;

* Tour the Associations/Leagues;

* Prepare national squads for games and tournaments;

* Attend technical meetings (local and international);

* Develop long term development programmes;

* Provide technical advice to the Vanuatu Football Federation;

Major Requirements:

* Possess a Coaching certificate or preferably a higher level Coaching degree;

* Good Communication skills;

* Must speak English and/or French and Bislama;

* Computer literate;

* Must be able to work extra hours;

* Must be over 30 years of age; and

* Must have at least over 5 years Coaching Experience.

Remuneration will depend on qualifications and experience. Employment will be on contract for 4 years.

All applications must be made in writing and mailed or faxed to:

Job Application (Technical Director), c/-The Chief Executive Officer, Vanuatu Football Federation, P.O. Box 266, Port Vila, Vanuatu

Fax - (+678) 25236

All applicants must include copies of relevant certificates and references, CV and at least 3 referees. The closing date for applications is 30th June 2003.

OFC: Top Australian Referee, Mark Shield, has been appointed as the fourth official for New Zealand's opening match of the FIFA Confederations Cup against Japan in France tomorrow morning (NZT). The All Whites will be playing Japan at the Stade de France in Paris.

The young referee will not be daunted however having officiated previously at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan. Shield will get his first appointment in the middle when France plays Japan in St Etienne on 20 June. He will be joined by countryman and assistance referee, Jim Ouliaris, who will be manning the sidelines in that same match. Other match appointments have yet to be finalised by FIFA.

Meanwhile, the All Whites coach Mick Waitt has named his starting line-up to face Japan. Michael Utting gets the nod at goalkeeper ahead of Jason Batty. There is no room for giant fullback Danny Hay who will be on the bench. He is still recovering from injury and Waitt has taken the safe option in naming a match fit defensive line led by captain Chris Zoricich partnering Ryan Nelsen in the middle. Gerard David and Duncan Oughton complete the back four.

Simon Elliot and Ivan Vicelich form an exciting midfield combination and are will get support on the wings from Mark Burton and Aaran Lines, the latter beating out Noah Hickey for a starting spot.

Up front, the experienced and in-form Australian-based striker Vaughan Coveny partners young Chris Killen, who is also returning to full fitness.

Waitt has targeted the first twenty minutes as crucial for the All Whites chances of winning against the Japans, who are likely to put lots of pressure on the New Zealanders with their fast paced style. Consolidating the pace of the game in that initial period will be the key. The All Whites are also looking at the back as Japan's probable weakness.

The NZ All Whites to face Japan are:

Michael Utting (GK), Duncan Oughton, Chris Zoricich (Captain), Ryan Nelsen, Gerard Davis, Mark Burton, Simon Elliott, Ivan Vicelich, Aaran Lines, Vaughan Coveny, Chris Killen.

Subs: Jason Batty (GK), Mark Paston (GK), Danny Hay, David Mulligan, Scott Smith, Gavin Wilkinson, Chris Jackson, Raf de Gregorio, Noah Hickey, Michael Wilson, Shane Smeltz, Kris Bouckenooghe.

FIFA RELEASE: FIFA and U.S. Soccer officials have formally unveiled the match schedule and official logo of the FIFA Women's World Cup USA 2003, an action-packed 32-match, 23-day tournament that will take place in the United States between 20 September and 12 October.

The world's premier football event for women will feature the top 16 national teams from all six confederations around the globe.

The fourth edition of the FIFA Women's World Cup kicks off on 20 September and will feature double-header match-ups in all venues through the completion of the semi-final stage. The first round group stage will be held between 20-28 September, the quarter-finals on 1-2 October, the semi-finals on 5 October, with the third-place match held on 11 October and the championship match on 12 October.

Further information regarding venues, ticketing and media accreditation will be released in due course.

The match schedule can be viewed by clicking this link which will take you to the official FIFA website and 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup page - http://www.fifa.com/en/comp/event/index,2003,1070.html

Allocation of Slots for the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup

AFC (2.5)

Qualifying competition to be held 10-22 June in Thailand

CAF (2)

1. Nigeria 2. Ghana

CONCACAF (2.5)

1. USA 2. Canada 3. Mexico (play off with 3rd AFC)

CONMEBOL (2)

1. Brazil 2. Argentina

OFC (1)

1. Australia

UEFA (5)

1. Germany 2. Norway 3. Russia

4. Sweden 5. France

Automatic Qualification

1. China PR

OFC RELEASE: The June issue of The Wave magazine is out and you can read it by clicking on the Wave link on the home page, or by clicking on the link in Publications. Keep up to date with what's going on around Oceania - read the Wave, the best source of football news coming out of the Oceania Football Confederation!

Of the eight teams taking part in the FIFA Confederations Cup which kicks off in France tomorrow, New Zealand is arguably the team with the smallest international profile. Besides Colombia, it is the only other team in the line-up that did not take part in the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

But Colombia possesses a vastly superior football pedigree than New Zealand having played at the previous three World Cup finals prior to 2002, and can also boast a higher world ranking (39) to back that up. There is no doubting New Zealand is the rank underdog of the tournament but they have the potential to surprise. They also have the most prolific international goal scorer of all the participating teams in veteran Vaughan Coveny who has netted 22 goals. Next on the list is world class French striker Thierry Henry with 18 goals.

Flying the OFC flag for only the second time at this event, the All Whites face Japan in its first match in Paris followed by dates with Colombia and hosts France. Both Japan and France played out the final of the last Confederations Cup two years ago with the French winning 1-0.

The All Whites qualified for this year's event after pulling off an upset 1-0 over Australia at the 2002 OFC Nations Cup in Auckland. Flamboyant defender, Ryan Nelsen, was the hero on that occasion slotting in the match winning goal late in the game. His fearless attitude and inspired play typifies the resilience and resolve of the Oceania champions. In a warm-up game in late May, he scored a similar goal to help the All Whites to a credible 1-1 draw with Scotland. He was again at the fore of a brave effort by the kiwis when they played top ten ranked USA going down narrowly 1-2. There have also been solid wins in other minor warm-up matches in USA and France.

The evidence thus far points to a team gaining in maturity and finally realising its potential. More importantly, the awe factor of playing high calibre international teams seems to have been replaced by a self belief prevalent in their more recent outings.

New Zealand debuted at the Confederations Cup in Mexico in 1999 and on that occasion the players could have been forgiven for thinking they were fortunate just to be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Germany and Brazil. But this time, coach Mick Waitt and his charges are aiming high and to win.

The OFC presence in France will also be felt with the presence of Australia's trio of match officials, referee Mark Shield and assistant referees, Jim Ouliaris, Stewart Lockrey. They have been appointed to represent OFC and face a big challenge with eyes of the world on them. Shield is a young referee with a big future and despite having already officiated at the highest level, the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals; he is still aged in his twenties. A good performance in France will put him in good stead for future FIFA appointments.

FIFA Confederations Cup: Previous Winners

1992 (Host: Saudi Arabia): Argentina 3 Saudi Arabia 1 (ht: 2-0).

1995 (Host: Saudi Arabia): Denmark 2 Argentina 0 (ht: 1-0).

1997 (Host: Saudi Arabia): Brazil 6 Australia 0 (ht: 1-0).

1999 (Host: Mexico): Mexico 4 Brazil 3 (ht: 2-1).

2001 (Host: Japan/S Korea): France 1 Japan 0 (ht: 1-0).

Photo: An unforgettable moment as the New Zealand All Whites celebrate beating the Australia Socceroos in the final of the OFC Nations Cup in Auckland last July. That win booked New Zealand's ticket to France. courtesy WSG/Kevin Bridle.

OFC RELEASE: The men's and women's match schedules for the 2003 South Pacific Games football tournament have been released by the host organisers in Fiji.

The men's tournament runs from 30 June - 11 July with all matches rotated amongst four venues. The gold/silver and bronze medal playoff matches will be staged at the National Stadium in Suva. The teams have been divided into two pools; Pool 1 containing five teams including the hosts Fiji while Pool 2 has a five team line-up headed by 1995 South Pacific Games gold medallist Tahiti. The winner and runner up from each pool will advance to the semi-finals which will be hosted at Churchill Park in Lautoka.

The women's tournament runs from 30 June - 9 July and will be contested by six teams in a round robin format over five match days spread amongst two venues.

The South Pacific Games is a multi-sport event held every four years (since 1963) and is contested between the Pacific Island nations affiliated to the SP Games Council. This year's event will be hosted in Suva, Fiji and runs from 28 June to 12 July. Football was last included in the Games format in 1995 when it was hosted by Tahiti.

For general information on the South Pacific Games, visit the official website on www.spg2003.com

The website for the football tournament is currently under construction and will be operational soon. Results of all matches and other updates will be posted on this website for the duration of the tournament.

* Please find enclosed the full draw and match schedule for the 2003 South Pacific Games football tournament.

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