BA, FIJI: The Australian Matildas women's team has all but clinched the Oceania berth to the 2004 Athens Olympics after inflicting a heavy 10-0 defeat on a gallant but ultimately outgunned Papua New Guinea side yesterday.

Fiji will now not only have to win, but win big by at least 13 goals to upset the rampant Australians. The final match this Saturday between the hosts and Australia at Govind Park will bring to an end the 2004 OFC Women's Olympic qualifiers.

Papua New Guinea will return home today having played out their two matches which yielded a 2-0 win over Fiji and a loss to the Australians. But they can be proud of their second half effort (after trailing 0-7) against a much higher ranked opponent who had just finished competing in a high level four nation tournament which included Korea DPR, China PR and New Zealand, the latter opting not to enter the Oceania Olympic Qualifiers. PNG in contrast played their last international women's match at the South Pacific Games in Fiji in July last year, winning the gold medal.

Visit the official tournament website by clicking on the icon logo on the right to get the latest updates, results and reports from Fiji

By Janene Mar - Papua New Guinea emerged 2-0 victors in this yesterday's opening match of the 2004 OFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament against hosts Fiji at Govind Park in Ba.

However, the experienced Papua New Guinea team were fortunate to take the three points, outplayed on the day by an impressive Fiji outfit.

The Australian Matildas, who had the bye, made the one-hour trip to Ba from their base in Nadi for the first time since arriving in Fiji last Thursday to watch the game.

Papua New Guinea, the only one of the developing nations to have competed in every senior women's Oceania qualifiers to date, played below their usual standard, lacking their usual passing moves and attacking combinations.

The Fijians, big in physical stature and power, were a vastly improved side from when Australia last played them in 1998.

The home side displayed penetrating passing combinations to create good scoring opportunities consistently throughout the game, and were very unlucky not to convert that dominance onto the scoreboard. Unfortunately, Fiji gave away two goals to the opposition from silly errors in the defence.

After some early enterprising play in attack from Fiji, it was the patchy Papua New Guinea side that snatched the lead against the run of play midway through the first half.

With the Fiji defence seemingly able to clear the ball from the danger area following a half-chance to Papua New Guinea, the defender decided to back-heel the ball to the goalkeeper, allowing Papua New Guinea's Tokoe Norrie to sneak in and put the loose ball into the back of the net.

Fijian attacker Mereilisoni Adireki then had another two great chances on goal before half-time without reward, and then five minutes after the interval, Kinisimere Vanua drilled her shot inches wide.

The Fijians continued to pressure the PNG defence throughout the second half in search of the deserved equaliser but frustratingly the ball would fly just wide of the target or was saved by the keeper. Midway through the half, Fiji's Unaisi Moce was unable to break the drought after two great chances within two minutes.

With around 15 minutes remaining, Papua New Guinea all but put the game beyond the reach of Fiji with their second goal of the match. Nellie Taman was on hand to put the ball away following a misunderstanding and collision between the goalkeeper and her own defender.

The action continues on Thursday when Australia plays their first game of the tournament against Papua New Guinea. The winner of the Oceania qualifiers advances directly to the Athens 2004 Olympic Games in August. - by Janene Mar

SUVA: The young Lautoka Blue Bulls are the surprise early leaders of the Fiji national league after beating Nadroga 2-0 in round three action last weekend.

The win means Lautoka has won three games in a row and are undefeated. In other results, Ba shutout Nadi 2-0 at Churchill Park for their first win of the season after drawing their first match. Ba now goes home to play the return match at Govind Park.

Striker Laisiasa Vosailagi proved to be the hero for Suva as his last minute winner gave the Whites a crucial 2-1 victory over Navua. Suva now has two wins and a loss to put them equal second with Navua.

Rewa drew with Nasinu at home at Ratu Cakobau Park and will play the same team again away this weekend.

Fiji national league - Round 3 results:

Suva 2 Navua 1

Lautoka 2 Nadroga 0

Ba 2 Nadi 0

Rewa 1 Nasinu 1

Team P W D L F A Pts

Lautoka 3 3 0 0 11 1 9

Navua 3 2 0 0 10 5 6

Suva 3 2 0 1 6 5 6

Nasinu 3 1 1 1 5 5 4

Rewa 2 1 1 1 5 5 4

Ba 2 1 1 0 3 1 4

Nadroga 2 0 1 1 1 3 1

Nadi 2 0 0 2 2 5 0

Labasa 2 0 0 2 1 9 0

Tavua 2 0 0 2 3 9 0

PAPEETE: Tefana caused a sensation last weekend when they beat league champion AS Pirae in the Tahiti Cup final at Pater Stadium. The game was locked at 1-1 after regulation and extra-time but Tefana goalkeeper Xavier Samin proved to be the hero, saving a vital shot to give his side a slim 5-4 win on penalties.

Tefana's victory was made sweeter as it was the first major title or trophy the club had won since its inception way back in 1933. The closest they have got was when Tefana made the inaugural Tahiti Cup final in 1999-2000 but were thrashed 6-1 by AS Venus.

Joan Petillon got Tefana off to a great start in the 6th minute, using his speed to get behind the Pirae defence to receive a long ball which he duly dispatched past the isolated goalkeeper.

However, Tahitian international Teva Zaveroni struck back for Pirae scoring a well worked goal in the 27th minute which put his side back on even terms.

The defences on both sides tightened up after the break with minimal chances to score. Tefana were in trouble after defender Vehia Maurirere was sent off ten minutes from full-time. But the underdogs held on till the final whistle to put the game into extra-time. There was no addition to the scores in extra-time as Pirae became frustrated at its inability to break down the 10-man Tefana side.

With the scores still locked at 1-1 after extra-time, FIFA referee Charles Ariiotima signalled that penalties would decide the encounter. As the buzz from the capacity crowd at Stade Pater grew to fever pitch. Both sides matched goal for goal. But the decisive moment came when former Samin, the former Tahitian international saved the attempt by René Devendeville which gave Tefana a famous victory and just reward for their faithful supporters.

APIA: The Samoa Football (Soccer) Federation has announced its season will officially open this coming weekend with the annual GM Bakery Cup kicking off the year. SFSF technical director/national coach David Brand previews the GM Bakery Cup and how the teams stack up.

Cup holders Sogi will no doubt want to retain the prize possession they have held for the past two years, but Premier League and Champ of Champs winners Lepea will have a lot to say about that.

Expect Sinamoga, Moataa and Lupe ole Soaga to once again be up at the top battling it out but ultimately it will be the fittest and best organised early on who will steal a march on the rest.

New comers Central and Moamoa have the ability to upset the best on the day and again recruitment will be a huge issue with Central busy over the summer looking to strengthen their squad. Kiwi will be buoyed by the news of the lifted suspension of talented youngster Lionel Taylor. Along with the developing group of young players at the club, they will be hoping for a much-improved year.

This leaves Vaivase tai and Hosanna. The former and previously named the "Manchester United" of Samoan football, have fallen on hard times of late, despite winning the Champ of Champs in 2002. During the last campaign, goals were hard to come by and unless this is addressed a lean winter looks on the cards. Hosanna will be the unknown quantity but as shown during the promotion playoffs they have the ability and endeavour to cause a shock or two.

Adding some spice to the competition this year will be Manumea Samoa who will compete in the tournament as part of their preparations for the World Cup qualifiers in May. Don't expect any fireworks here early on, as National Coach David Brand tinkers with his squad each week, before naming his final 20 in early April.

"The games are preparation for us and whilst I personally do not like losing any game, I will be giving all the players an opportunity to force their way into the final squad,'' he said. "As a result you may well see major changes, game by game, which in the early weeks gives me chance to view all the squad in at least 1 competitive fixture. When you do this the odd poor result is to be expected. It is however how we perform and are we playing to instructions that counts."

The GM Bakery Cup kicks off on Saturday 6th March at the J.S. Blatter Fields at Tuanaimato.

Follow the progress of the Cup by visiting the official Samoa Football (Soccer) Federation website linked to the OFC website. Just click on the Samoa association icon below the masthead on the homepage.

NOUMEA: The New Caledonia division d'honneur final rounds have taken a turn for the better for third placed AS Poum after they extended their slim lead over fourth placed JS Baco to a five point gap.

This came about after Poum beat ACB Poya 3-2 while JS Baco was beaten by second place Mont Dore 1-0 in round 17 matches last weekend.

JS Baco still holds a lifeline as it has a match in hand but to overtake AS Poum they must win their remaining games and hope Poum drops one on the way. AS Magenta survived a torrid encounter to maintain their winning streak and lead at the top of the ladder with a 3-2 win over USC.

Mont-Dore remains in second with 55 points, five astray from Magenta and four clear of Poum. In other results, AS Auteuil thrashed Gaitcha FCN 6-3 while the match between ASLN Kouaoua and Olympique was postponed. ASLN Kouaoua went down to AS Auteuil 1-3 in a catch up match played last weekend.

Round 17 results:

AS Auteuil - Gaïtcha FCN 6 - 3

AS Magenta - USC 3 - 2

JS Baco - AS Mont-Dore 0 - 1

AS Poum - ACB Poya 3 - 2

ASLN Kouaoua - Olympique postponed

Catch up match:

ASLN Kouaoua - Auteuil 1 - 3

Points Ladder (after round 17)
Teams	Pts	P	W	D	L	F	A	diff
1. AS Magenta	60	17	14	1	2	60	23	+37
2. Mont-Dore	55	17	12	2	3	30	12	+18
3. AS Poum	51	16	11	2	3	38	24	+14
4. JS Baco	46	15	10	1	4	35	23	+12
5. Gaitcha FCN	40	16	7	3	6	28	32	-4
6. AS Auteuil	34	16	5	3	8	35	41	-6
7. USC	30	17	3	4	10	24	32	-8
8. Kouaoua	30	16	4	2	10	23	46	-23
9. ACB Poya	29	16	4	1	11	30	34	-4
10. Olympique	20	16	1	1	14	20	56	-36

FIFA, London - At its 118th Annual General Meeting in London today (28 February 2004), the International Football Association Board (IFAB), chaired by FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, approved a number of amendments to the Laws of the Game.

Key decisions reached included the following:

- Law 1 - The Field of Play: If permitted under the applicable competition rules, matches may be played on a natural turf or artificial turf surface. In the case of artificial turf, the surface must meet the requisite quality standards (i.e. the FIFA Quality Concept for Artificial Turf or the International Artificial Turf Standard).

- Law 3 - The Number of Players: No more than six substitutions per team shall be permitted in friendly matches.

- Law 10 - Method of Scoring: With regard to the method for determining the winner of a match, the IFAB ruled in favour of extra-time, consisting of two periods of no more than 15 minutes each, followed by kicks from the penalty mark. As a result, matches will no longer be decided by "golden goal" or "silver goal".

- Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct: Any player removing his jersey after scoring a goal shall be cautioned for unsporting behaviour.

Furthermore, Law 5 will now dictate that if the rules of a competition endorse the use of a fourth official, his function and responsibilities shall correspond with those laid down by the IFAB.

All of the changes to the Laws of the Game shall come into force worldwide on 1 July 2004.

The IFAB chose to reject proposals to increase the maximum length of the half-time interval from 15 to 20 minutes and to advance free kicks by 9.15 metres if a player from the penalised team fails to retreat the required distance or prevents the free kick from being taken.

The 118th Annual General Meeting of the International Football Association Board forms part of a weekend of FIFA Centennial celebrations in London to pay tribute to the British associations' key contribution to the game of football. To mark the occasion, the members of the FIFA Executive Committee were invited to attend the IFAB meeting for the very first time.

The International F.A. Board is constituted of The Football Association (England), The Scottish Football Association, The Football Association of Wales, The Irish Football Association and FIFA, each of which is represented by four delegates. FIFA have four votes on behalf of all of its affiliated associations. The other IFAB member associations have one vote each. For a proposal to be passed, it must receive the support of at least three-quarters of those present and entitled to vote.

Artificial turf now covered in `Laws of the Game'

FIFA, London -At its last meeting on 28 February 2004, the International Football Association Board, the custodian of the Laws of the Game in football, decided that a reference to `Field Surface', including artificial turf, would be added to the Laws of the Game.

This historic decision allows international club competition fixtures and competitive matches between representative teams of Associations affiliated to FIFA to be played on artificial surfaces that meet recognised FIFA standards and according to the regulations of the competition. This is of great importance, especially for nations, where extremely hot, cold or wet climatic conditions can easily damage grass pitches.

"Integrating the artificial turf surface into the Laws of the Game is another milestone in the history of football. Millions of players around the world will benefit from this decision, as it will allow them to play their favourite sport on a more regular basis and, above all, in difficult climatic conditions that would make it impossible on natural turf pitches," said FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.

Artificial turf was first used in international competition at the FIFA U-17 World Championship Finland 2003. Ten matches including the Final were played on a "FIFA Recommended" artificial surface. Widespread approval from the teams and positive findings in terms of injuries proved that artificial turf is the best alternative to grass. The latest generation of artificial turf, especially designated for football, replicates most of the qualities of grass, and is fully acceptable at all levels of the game.

As the game's worldwide governing body, FIFA strives to support any move to improve football equipment and will draw up universal guidelines for the use of artificial turf following the IFAB mandate. Based on players' feedback, medical research and information from the industry, the FIFA Quality Concept will be further developed by adapting the test criteria to introduce a second, more stringent standard on 1 July 2004.

The creation of a new, top-of-the-range FIFA standard will further improve playability and safety. This benchmark will provide the world of football with the best artificial turf surfaces for professional football. Besides the new standard, the existing "FIFA Recommended" grading will remain part of the FIFA Quality Concept. The test requirements for the "FIFA Recommended" standard, to which there will now also be a reference in the Laws of the Game, ensure the suitability of a surface for international club competition games and competitive matches between representative teams of Associations affiliated to FIFA. As an alternative, the "International Artificial Turf Standard" reference, which is not subject to a license fee, will also be acceptable.

The FIFA Quality Concept for artificial turf was introduced in 2001 in order to ensure the highest, standardised quality of artificial turf and to protect the safety of players. The FIFA Quality Concept is a rigorous testing programme for artificial surfaces, comprising a series of laboratory and field tests, upon completion of which manufacturers are able to enter into a licensing agreement for the use of the prestigious "FIFA Recommended" mark for artificial turf pitches. Today, 15 artificial turf manufacturers are part of the FIFA Quality Concept licensing programme and over 75 "FIFA Recommended" surfaces have been installed worldwide.

For further information please refer to the FIFA website at:

http://www.fifa.com/en/development/quality/index.html

FIFA, London: Chaired by President Joseph S. Blatter, the FIFA Executive Committee unanimously ratified the format for the 2005 Club World Championship at its meeting in London today - Sunday, 29 February - following the recommendation made by the relevant organising committee in Zurich on 19 February 2004.

This competition will therefore be held with the six winners from the continental club competitions playing a total of seven matches over a period of eight days. The continental champions from Europe and South America will not take part in the action until the semi-finals and will thus play two matches at the most.

The basic competition format will be as follows:

Day 1

Match 1 Continental champion A - Continental champion B

Match 2 Continental champion C - Continental champion D

Day 2 Rest Day

Day 3 Rest Day

Day 4 Rest Day

Day 5

Match 3 Winner match 1 - Europe or South America continental champion (semi-final 1)

Match 4 Winner match 2 - Europe or South America continental champion (semi-final 2)

Day 6 Rest Day

Day 7

Match 5 Loser match 1 - Loser match 2 (= play-off for 5th place)

Match 6 Loser match 3 - Loser match 4 (= play-off for 3rd place)

Day 8

Match 7 Winner match 3 - Winner match 4 (= final)

Other details such as the time and place have yet to be decided and will be subject to further discussion.

The Executive Committee also ratified the Emergency Committee's decision on 9 January 2004 to suspend the association of Guatemala. However, at the same time, it temporarily lifted the suspension and will revert to the matter at its next meeting in Paris on 17 May. In this connection, it was also decided that FIFA and CONCACAF should recognise only José Mauricio Caballeros, the President of Fedefut, as the person responsible for the association's international affairs. The sphere of responsibility will include the Guatemala national team's participation in international competitions, particularly the FIFA World Cup^TM, the participation of Guatemalan club teams in CONCACAF's club competitions, managing financial aid from FIFA, issuing international transfer certificates etc. The Executive Committee also resolved to appoint three members who will oversee continuity in the management of Guatemala's national football affairs alongside the General Secretary of Fedefut elected in September 2003.

Furthermore, the executive body:

- Approved with satisfaction the positive financial balance of a surplus of CHF 141 mio. for 2003.

- Consented to sign the agreement between FIFA and WADA (World Antidoping Agency) at the Congress in Paris on 20/21 May, provided the amendments negotiated between the two Presidents on 28 January 2004 (individual case management and other points) are applied.

- Decided that if Gibraltar officially applied for membership, it could not be admitted as a member according to the FIFA Statutes.

- Ratified the Emergency Committee's decision to bring forward the dates for the FIFA Futsal World Championship in Chinese Taipei to 22 November - 12 December 2004.

- Confirmed that the official opening of the 2006 FIFA World Cup^TM would be held immediately before the opening game in Munich Stadium on 9 June. The 2006 FIFA Ordinary Congress would also be staged in Munich before the tournament.

The Executive Committee also noted the status of the commercial activities of Marketing & TV AG, details of the programme for FIFA's Centennial festivities as well as the programme fixed for 14 and 15 May when the foundation stone for the new headquarters "The Home of FIFA" will be laid in Zurich and the executive will decide on the host for the 2010 FIFA World Cup^TM.

Furthermore, the members were briefed on the status quo of preparations for the Olympic Football Tournaments in Athens (11-29 August), the U-19 Women's World Championship in Thailand (10-27 November) and the Futsal World Championship later this year.

Before the meeting, the Executive Committee observed a minute's silence in honour of former UEFA President and FIFA honorary member Jacques Georges, who died last week, as well as for other recently deceased football personalities.

ASA: Following completion today of the 2003/04 NSL Premiership season last weekend, the top 6 teams that will compete in the 2003/04 NSL Championship series are as follows; 1. Perth Glory (Premiers), 2. Parramatta Power, 3. Adelaide United, 4. Marconi Stallions, 5. South Melbourne, 6. Brisbane Strikers.

The draw for week 1 and 2 of the 2003/04 Championship Series is as follows:

Week 1

Elimination Final (1st leg)

Adelaide United v Brisbane Strikers

Sunday 7 March

Hindmarsh Stadium - 7pm CST

Elimination Final (1st leg)

Marconi Stallions v South Melbourne

Sunday 7 March

Marconi Stadium - 3.45pm EST

Week 2 draw

Major Semi Final (1st leg)

Parramatta Power v Perth Glory

Sunday 14 March

Parramatta Stadium - 3.45pm EST

Elimination Final (2nd leg)

Brisbane Strikers v Adelaide United

Saturday 13 March

Perry Park - 7pm Qld time

Elimination Final (2nd leg)

South Melbourne v Marconi Stallions

Sunday 14 March

Bob Jane Stadium - 7pm EST

NSL Round 26 report

FINALS TEAM DO IT TOUGH IN LAST ROUND

ASA: Any team entering a finals series wants to go into those games in the best frame of mind and with confidence and form on your side. However the final round was anything but for the three finals teams that took part in matches today, with two losing and the other playing out a 0-0 draw.

Next week's combatants Adelaide United and Brisbane Strikers (see separate report), although not at full strength, both lost to lowly opposition in Northern Spirit and the Football Kingz, while South Melbourne's scoring woes continued in its match with Sydney Olympic.

At Pittwater Park in Sydney's north, Spirit's terrific end of season run continued and provided a fitting farewell for the all-time NSL appearance record holder Alex Tobin and Spirit stalwart Paul Henderson, who both received standing ovation's from the small but appreciative crowd when substituted late in the game.

For Tobin, plagued by injury all season, it was only fitting he went out a winner and how ironic it was against a team from his hometown of Adelaide that he should do it against.

Only Tobin knows if he will try and get a club in the proposed new revamped National competition starting later this year, but age and injuries must surely be catching up on him. If he doesn't play one hopes he stays involved in the game in some capacity, as he has always been a positive influence wherever he has been both on and off the field and he has been an inspiration for many of the young players coming through the NSL today.

One such youngster provided the goals for Spirit in its win, Adam Kwasnik's goal either side of the break, cancelling out Aurelio Vidmar's first half injury time screamer.

Kwasnik (pictured above) who spent most of his time this season on the bench, proved a handful for the Adelaide defence throughout and could quite easily have a hat-trick next to his name.

He opened the scoring in the 27th minute when he stabbed home a cross from the left and it looked as though it would be enough at the break.

However Vidmar, a former long-time teammate of Tobin's at Adelaide City and for the Socceroos, had other ideas and his sweetly hit free kick from outside the box, went straight through the hands of Henderson for a goal and it was 1-1 at the break.

Kwasnik though sealed Spirit's third win on the trot with a looping header over the advancing Bajic in the 69th minute.

Both sides, despite the very windy conditions, had opportunities to add to the scoreline, but neither side was able to and with Adelaide already assured of third spot, coach John Kosmina with eye towards next week, took several of his key players off to make sure they were fit and available for next week.

The win saw Spirit finish in 7th position on the table just two points behind sixth place Brisbane.

Meanwhile Micky Brock reports that a howling first-half wind at OKI Jubilee Oval didn't help matters but it certainly didn't prove a factor in the amount of missed chances by both sides in the last ever NSL meeting between traditional rivals - Olympic and South Melbourne.

Olympic had by far the better opportunities and should have been ahead before the 12th minute fiasco that almost produced an opening goal.

Hiroyuki Ishida, lethal down the left, sent over a long cross that Zenon Caravella pulled back for Predrag Bojic. His poor effort came back off a defender and fell for Troy Halpin who, showing terrific vision, attempted to chip the keeper but with the ball, for once, holding up in the wind it was an easy take for Eugene Galekovic between the sticks for South.

A minute later and Olympic once again should have taken the lead. Caravella this time sent his shot, again from an Ishida cross on the left, against the legs of Galekovic and with the ball bouncing fortuitously back to him he miss-hit another attempt whilst on the ground and the lead went begging.

Iain Fyfe was next to benefit from another Ishida cross, as the Japanese import cut South apart down the left wing channel in the opening 40-minutes. Fyfe though saw his header go high and wide before the visitors had their first worthwhile attempt at goal themselves when Vince Lia broke through the middle from a Kristian Sarkies pass only to see his well placed shot go agonizingly inches wide of Brett Hughes right-hand upright.

From then on it was more a catalogue of squandered chances with shots ballooning over the bar or being hit straight at either custodian.

NSL Round 26 results

Perth 2 Marconi 2

Kingz 4 Brisbane 3

Spirit 2 Adelaide 1

Olympic 0 Sth Melb 0

Knights 0 Sydney 0

Wollongong 3 Newcastle 0

Parramatta Bye

NSL 2003-2004 Round: 26  
Team            	GP W  D L  GF GA Pts 
1 Perth Glory 		24 18 3 3  56 22 57 
2 Parramatta Power 	24 16 3 5  58 30 51 
3 Adelaide United 	24 11 7 6  28 25 40 
4 Marconi Stallions 	24 10 8 6  29 25 38 
5 South Melbourne 	24 11 4 9  39 21 37 
6 Brisbane Strikers 	24  9 5 10 28 33 32 
7 Northern Spirit 	24  9 3 12 31 33 30 
8 Sydney Olympic 	24  7 8 9  26 31 29 
9 Wollongong Wolves 	24  8 5 11 34 41 29 
10 Sydney United 	24  7 8 9  18 25 29 
11 Newcastle United 	24  6 6 12 18 33 24 
12 Melbourne Knights 	24  6 5 13 21 41 23 
13 Football Kingz 	24  4 3 17 25 51 15