SIFF RELEASE: Thousands of Solomon Islanders turned up to welcome their soccer heroes in Honiara, who returned from a successful campaign in Adelaide, Australia on Tuesday, 8 June.

It was a fitting gesture for the Alan Gillett coached side as they did their country proud by qualifying for the third stage playoff alongside Australia.

The warm reception given to the team upon their arrival at Henderson Airport was a sight never seen before by locals, used to scenes of violence which rocked the tiny Melanesian nation of just under half a million for years, until outside intervention finally restored peace last year.

The well travelled Gillett, who has coached all around the world, marvelled at the number of people that had turned up at the airport. He was lost for words at the reception, especially the attention he recieved.

Locals from all walks of life, young and old, filled the streets as the motorcade carrying the team & officials made its way from the airport into central Honiara.

Never before was this kind of welcome given to any soccer team. Even the Parliament session has had to be suspended just to allow the Prime Minister Sir Alan Kemakesa and members of Parliament to welcome the team home.

There were cheers and cries of jubilation everywhere with some even shedding tears. The motocade which took the boys on the victory parade from Henderson to White River took almost three hours to complete the route.

SUVA: With the World Cup qualifiers now out of the way, the domestic competition in Fiji is now back to normal. But before the resumption of the national league, the annual Fiji FACT district championship will take place in Nadi.

To be held at Prince Charles Park, games will kick off tomorrow and run throughout the weekend. And there is a significant international flavour added to the tournament with several high profile Solomon Island national players accepting invites to take part.

Four Solomon International and a New Zealander will feature for Nadi and Navua respectively.

The hosts Nadi have drafted veteran Solomons striker Batram Suri and rising star Alick Maemae. Commins Menapi the Solomon's goal scoring hero who scored twice to hold Australia to a 2 all draw at the Oceania play off in Adelaide also bolsters Nadi's strikeforce.

The Solomons trio will team up with Fiji's goal scoring machine Veresa Toma. Defending champions Navua have also helped themselves, enlisting William Missibini of the Solomon Islands and Mark Cossey from New Zealand.

Fiji FA Chief Executive Officer Bob Kumar says there has not been any hiccups with preparations. Kumar says Nadi is expected to host thousands of people during the long weekend. Kumar says the first FFA tourney for the year is expected to record a sell out crowd in the final and when it opens on Friday at 4pm.

The Fiji Bitter Fact tourney will also feature a national Under-15 championship and a women's final that will play the curtain raiser match before the main cup final.

FIFA.com - The 16 teams that will take part in the 2004 Olympic Football Tournament have all come through an arduous qualification process en route for Athens. This morning's draw split the teams into four groups of four, with the top two countries from each group progressing to the quarter-finals. None of the groups offer an easy passage to the next round, but the battle promises to be especially fierce in Group B.

Like everyone else, hosts Greece were hoping for a comfortable draw and France's Christian Karembeu, who plays his club football for Olympiakos in Greece, seems to have fulfilled his adopted homeland's wishes by placing them in Group A. Though they are satisfied with the draw, the Greeks will nevertheless have to be at their very best to qualify from a pool containing Mali, the Korean Republic and Mexico. Greece manager Stratos Apostolakis is confident his troops are up to the job. "It's a good draw," he told fifa.com, "We've avoided the big guns in Groups B and C."

Group B is unquestionably the toughest. There will be no quarter asked nor given when the powerhouses of Paraguay, Italy and Ghana collide, and even up-and-coming Japan is in with a solid shout. The Paraguayans have excelled in all youth categories in recent years and qualified for the tournament in impressive fashion. Ghana's Black Meteors, meanwhile, return to the Games for the first time since claiming the Bronze at Barcelona 1992 and will be intent on continuing sub-Saharan Africa's recent dominance in the competition.

Italy comes to the tournament as undisputed kings of their continent following their emphatic 3-0 victory over Serbia and Montenegro in the Final of the U-21 European Championships. The fourth team in the group, Japan, may not have glittering pedigree, but with Japanese football making great strides in recent years it would be very foolish to dismiss their chances.

Group C is no cake-walk either, with Argentina, Tunisia, Australia and Serbia and Montenegro all vying for qualification. The South Americans may look the strongest on paper, but in reality it is impossible to pick a side that will definitely go through; all four teams have legitimate aspirations to making the cut

Portugal will start as favourites to top Group D, but Morocco, Costa Rica and an Iraqi team that qualified against enormous odds will all have something to say about that.

The feast of football kicks of on 11 August and one man who is already looking forward to it is Issa Hayatou, Vice-President of FIFA and President of the organising committee of the Olympic Football Tournaments: "Football will have the honour of opening the Olympic Games," he explained just before today's draw, "We should be enormously proud of that."

Olympic Men's Draw

Group A

Greece

Korea Republic

Mali

Mexico

Group B

Paraguay

Japan

Ghana

Italy

Group C

Argentina

Serbia & Montenegro

Tunisia

Australia

Group D

Costa Rica

Morocco

Iraq

Portugal

Germany and China to lock horns in first round

The draw for the Olympic Women's Football Tournament took place amid searing heat in Athens this morning, dividing the 10 participating countries into three groups. In a competition crammed with quality, Group F looks particularly appetising.

Germany may be world champions; by they would be well advised not to take anything for granted as they prepare to navigate a way through a Group F that features both China, who are determined to make amends for their disappointing displays at the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup USA, and Mexico, who qualified in outstanding style.

Heike Ullrich, head of the Women's Football department of the DFB, is well aware that Birgit Prinz and company will have to be at the peak of their powers to progress: "The Chinese have just beaten us in our own backyard, so we'll have to give it everything we've got against them," she said, "we're well familiar with the Mexicans too and know they deserve total respect. We certainly won't be taking anybody lightly."

On the face of things, FIFA World Cup runners-up Sweden appear to have landed more softly by being pitched into Group E, where both Nigeria and Japan have plenty of experience but have not yet hit the same highs as the Scandinavians. Meanwhile in Group G, the USA will start as favourites by virtue of their victory in 1996 and Silver medal in 2000, but Brazil, who reached the semi-finals on both those occasions, will certainly be no push-overs.

In addition, Australia will be hoping to build on the progress they have made in recent years, while Greece, buoyed by the support of the home crowd, will surely prove tricky opponents. Indeed, Greece coach Xanthi Konstantinidou is not ruling out a venture to the second round for the hosts: "Playing USA and Brazil is a massive challenge," she told fifa.com. "above all, it will be a tremendous adventure, and who knows, maybe we could spring a surprise!" With the top two teams from each group to go through, surprises are certainly not out of the question.

Olympic Women's Draw

Group E

Sweden

Japan

Nigeria

Group F

Germany

China PR

Mexico

Group G

Greece

USA

Brazil

Australia

OFC Auckland: The Oceania Football Confederation will resume its OFC Indigenous Senior Licence Coaching Scheme with Level 1 & 2 Courses to be held at its Auckland headquarters starting this weekend.

Again, the Football Association (England) will assist the OFC in providing technical assistance with coaching instructor Alan Gillett returning to facilitate both courses. After running the OFC Senior Level 1 course in December 2003, Mr Gillett accepted a temporary role coaching the Solomon Islands national team.

The impact he made there in such a short timeframe was nothing short of phenomenal. He led the Melanesian soccer power on its longest undefeated streak en route to qualification for the third stage final playoff against Australia at the recent OFC Nations Cup & FIFA World Cup Stage 2 qualifiers in Adelaide.

Thousands flocked to the streets of Honiara to welcome their heroes earlier this week. But for Gillett, there was little time to take in all the euphoria as his attention now focussed on a new batch of coaches selected by the OFC national associations for Level 1.

A total of twelve (12) coaches from Oceania's island member associations will attend the Level 1 course which will run from 12-16 June. Those that pass will join the Level 2 course along with those Level 1 participants from 2003 who passed. The Level 2 Senior License Coaching course will run from 17-25 June. Five coaches return from last year's Level 1 Course to sit their Level 2 exam.

The aim of the OFC Indigenous Senior Licence Coaching Scheme is to improve the overall level of coaching in the region with particular emphasis on the lesser developed Pacific Island nations. It is hoped that participants will gain the necessary accreditation which will allow them to be actively involved in training coaches back in their countries as well as taking part in future regional development programmes.

According to the acting OFC General Secretary, Mr Tai Nicholas, the recent success of the OFC Nations Cup means it is now important that the current standards displayed by the island nations is maintained and taken to a higher level.

"While we're obviously pleased with the progress being made on the field, the challenge now is to maintain that standard and developing our coaches is a major ongoing priority that will assist in this process," he said.

ADELAIDE, 6 June 2004: The Solomon Islands have pulled off an unlikely 2-2 draw against Oceania heavyweights Australia tonight at Hindmarsh Stadium.

They now qualify for the OFC Nations Cup final home and away playoffs against Australia on 9 & 13 October, 2004, and again on 3 & 7 September, 2005 for the right to represent the OFC in the 2006 FIFA World Cup playoff against the fifth placed team from South America (CONMEBOL).

With the Socceroos expected to roll over the Solomons, extra pressure had been mounted on the Solomons after New Zealand's comprehensive 2-0 win over Fiji in the earlier game which meant they had to at least draw to secure the second playoff spot. But they responded in kind to the lofty challenge with Commins Menapi the hero, scoring both goals for his side.

Menapi opened the scoring and helped his team to shock 1-0 lead at half-time. However, the Frank Farina coached Socceroos maintained their composure to reply with goals to midfield dynamo Tim Cahill and Brett Emerton in the second half.

But with a quarter of an hour left in regulation time, Menapi equalised with a well taken goal. Handicapped by the sending off of defender Patrick Kisnorbo who recieved his second yellow card thus reducing the Socceroos to ten men, the home team was unable to find the winner and the Solomons held on for the draw and more importantly, a historic result to propel them into the final qualifying round for both the Nations Cup and the World Cup playoffs, denying New Zealand the runner up spot.

FULL REPORT TO FOLLOW ON THE OFFICIAL OFC NATIONS CUP WEBSITE LINKED TO THE HOMEPAGE

ADELAIDE, 6 June 2004: New Zealand has comfortably beaten Fiji 2-0 in their last match of the Stage 2 qualifiers at Hindmarsh Stadium. Needing a win to keep its playoff hopes alive, defender Che Bunce scored early for the All Whites with striker Vaughan Coveny again effective coming off the bench in the second half to winner.

With key striker Veresa Toma out through suspension for the crunch match, Fiji missed his presence up front as they battled hard to finish their tournament on a high note. Fiji went into the match with only pride on the line as their slim playoff chances had evaporated in round four after their loss to the Solomon Islands.

The result elevated New Zealand to nine points level with the Solomons. But the All Whites hold the advantage as they were ahead on goal difference meaning the Solomons needed at least a draw to advance to the playoffs against Australia in the final match tonight.

Round 5: Match 14 - 6 June 2004, 5:30pm

Fiji vs New Zealand

Full-time score: 0-2 New Zealand

Half-time score: 0-1 New Zealand

Goal-scorers: NZ - (5) Che Bunce 8'; (16) Vaughan Coveny 56'

Cautions: none

Expulsions: none

Crowd Attendance: 2,000+

Weather: Clear skies, cool

Venue: Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide

Match Officials:

Match Commissioner: Tautulu Roebeck

Referee Inspector: Yves Taga

Referee: Claus Bo Larsen (Denmark)

Assistant Referee 1: Bill Hansen (Denmark)

Assistant Referee 2: Nathan Gibson (Australia)

Fourth Official: Mark Shield (Australia)

Team Lists (& Substitutions)

FIJI

1. Simione Tamanisau GK

2. Lorima Dau

6. Jone Vesikula

7. Malakai Kainihewe (-33')

9. Thomas Vulivuli (-81')

12. Esala Masinisau (c) (-51')

13. Taniela Waqa

15. Salesh Kumar

16. Viliame Toma

18. Laisiasa Gataurua

21. Pene Erenio

Subs

23. Laisenia Tuba RGK

4. Alvin Avinesh

5. Emosi Baleinuku

11. Luke Vidovi (+33')

17. Seveci Rokotakala (+81')

19. Ovini Duguca

22. Waisake Sabuto (+51')

Coach: Tony Buesnel

NEW ZEALAND

1. Mark Paston GK

2. Duncan Oughton

4. Steven Old

5. Che Bunce

6. Tony Lochhead

7. Ivan Vicelich

8. Aaran Lines

13. Brent Fisher (-81')

14. Ryan Nelsen (c)

15. Michael Wilson

17. Raffaele de Gregorio (-60')

Subs

9. Noah Hickey

10. Timothy Brown

11. Leo Bertos (+60')

12. Simon Elliot

16. Vaughan Coveny

18. Shane Smeltz

19. Neil Jones (+81')

20. Andrew Boyens

21. Rupesh Puna

22. Glen Moss RGK

23. Tamati Williams

Coach: Mick Waitt

ADELAIDE, 6 June 2004: After pulling of a historic upset against New Zealand just days earlier, it was Vanuatu's turn to suffer a surprise loss when they went down to a late goal against Tahiti.

The 2-1 victory was a surprise as the Tahitians struggled in all their previous games suffering heavy losses to Australia, New Zealand and the Solomons although they did manage a scoreless draw against Fiji.

Both sides went into the half-time round five fixture locked at a goal apiece. Richard Iwai scored the game's first goal in the 23rd minute but Tahiti struck back minutes before the break through an opportunist goal to Axel Temataua.

The second half was a closely fought battle with Tahiti relentless with a chance of their first win of the tournament within reach. And they were rewarded one minute from the end of regulation time when Gabriel Wajoka scored the winner.

The victory lifted the Tahitians to fifth place relegating Vanuatu to the bottom, a disappointing ending to a team who caused the biggest upset of the tournament in beating New Zealand 4-2 in round three.

FULL MATCH STATISTICS AVAILABLE ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE LINKED TO THE HOMEPAGE.

ADELAIDE, 4 June 2004: The Australian Socceroos have beaten a determined Vanuatu side 3-0 in the final match of round four at Hindmarsh Stadium tonight.

John Aloisi scored the only goal of the first half as Vanuatu goalkeeper and captain David Chilia proved a one man show against wave upon wave of Socceroo attacks.

Speedy midfielder Brett Emerton added Australia's goal late in the second half to finally pierce the tiring Vanuatu defence with Aloisi collecting his second goal of the night five minutes from the end of regulation time.

FULL REPORT TO FOLLOW ON OFFICIAL WEBSITE LINKED TO HOMEPAGE

ADELAIDE: The Solomon Islands have secured their third win of the Stage 2 qualifiers edging Fiji in a closely fought match at Hindmarsh Stadium tonight.

Both sides went into the half with a goal apiece. Veresa Toma scored for Fiji while Paul Kakai found the back of the net for the Solomons.

FULL REPORT TO FOLLOW ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE LINKED TO THE HOMEPAGE

ADELAIDE, 4 June 2004: Bottom placed Tahiti has felt the backlash of the New Zealanders going down 10-0 in their worst ever international loss today at Marden Sports Complex.

The hapless Tahitians were never in the game as the All Whites looked to rectify their upset loss to Vanuatu on Wednesday. New Zealand led by five goals at the half in front of a paltry crowd of just over 100 people in cold, overcast conditions.

Brent Fisher and Vaughan Coveny each scored hat-tricks with captain Ryan Nelsen bagging a brace. Neil Jones and Duncan Oughton also got their names on the score-sheet.

FULL REPORT TO FOLLOW ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE LINKED TO THE HOMEPAGE