New Zealand v Tahiti

Fans of the world game in Adelaide are in for a mammoth treat tomorrow.

Never before has an OFC World Cup qualifying tournament been so hotly contested and tomorrow at the Marden Sports Complex, the World Cup aspirations of a reeling nation hinge on a positive result.

New Zealand, the last nation to represent Oceania at a World Cup finals are in disarray.

After an impressive showing against the Qantas Socceroos on the opening day of the tournament, the All Whites have rubbished their World Cup credentials with a series of cataclysmic performances in recent days.

First was a scrappy 3-0 win over the Solomon Islands that raised a few eyebrows as to the determination of a New Zealand side, that looked lethargic and disinterested en route to their first up win.

Then came the result that turned the Oceania's road to Germany 2006 on its head.

Last night at a damp and drizzly Hindmarsh Stadium, the Kiwis World Cup ambitions came crumbling down following a devastating 4-2 loss at the unlikely hands of Vanuatu.

Now, Mick Waitt's New Zealand find themselves on the wrong end of a three team pile up that will ultimately produce a victor on the last day of competition this Sunday.

With two rounds remaining, the Kiwis will want to take maximum points from their meetings with Tahiti and Fiji, so to give themselves the best possible chance of extending their rein with Australia at the top of the Oceania's soccer fraternity.

On the Kiwis side, is history.

The All Whites have failed to concede a solitary goal to Tahiti in all their previous encounters, having scored 12 goals themselves.

Most recently, the New Zealanders thrashed Tahiti 4-0 at the 2002 OFC Nations Cup in Auckland, with current squad members Ryan Nelsen and Ivan Vicelich amongst the goals.

This result came just a year after the pair met in a World Cup qualifier at the same venue for a similar result, 5-0 on that occasion to the All Whites.

The Kiwis will also take comfort in the fact that their opponent's baron spell in front of goal is the most detrimental in their history and has shown no signs of being alleviated in the tournament thus far.

330 minutes have passed since the Tahitians last found the back of the net, that being in their final stage one qualifier away to the Solomon Islands.

Midfielder Vincent Simon was on hand to give the Polynesians the lead after 30 minutes on that day, but since then, Tahiti have endured futile encounters with Fiji, Australia and the Solomon Islands once more.

The Kiwis will need little motivation to be up for this encounter and coach Waitt will be hopeful his boys can finally put their woeful form aside and rack up the goals against Tahiti tomorrow.

Waitt will be sweating on the availability of injured midfield influence Simon Elliott, having already lost Roda JC middleman Ivan Vicelich due to suspension.

As for Tahiti, the proud Polynesians World Cup dream is all but over following their 4-0 loss to the Solomons last night.

Only a minor miracle would see Gerard Kautai's men through to the next stage, who seem certain to relinquish their title as Oceania's top ranked island nation.

Solomon Islands v Fiji

The first of two matches at Hindmarsh Stadium between the Solomon Islands and Fiji must surely rank as one of the most important matches in Oceania's relatively short history.

Never, in the history of Oceania World Cup qualification campaigns, has FIFA's youngest confederation produced a non Australia/New Zealand showdown to finish off with.

2004, it seems, is a time like no other to rewrite the history books.

The Solomon Islands and Fiji are just three days away from the possibility of achieving what no island nation has done in the history of the FIFA World Cup - finish in the OFC's top two.

New Zealand's loss to Vanuatu has opened the door to both the Solomons and Fiji to claim Oceania's second playoff spot and edge a step closer to Germany 2006.

Of the two island challengers, the Solomons are placed the best and know that a win against their traditional rivals at Hindmarsh tomorrow will boost their hopes of progressing no end.

Alan Gillett's men currently sit three points above New Zealand and two above Fiji and are the only side of the three with a positive goal difference.

Therefore, a win tomorrow for Gillett's men would eliminate Fiji from the race for second place and sit them above New Zealand ahead of their final round clash with Australia on Sunday.

Whilst a win is a must for the Solomons, a big win would be an added bonus.

Since goal difference is likely to play a major factor in determining Oceania's second playoff representative, the Solomons will want to post a big win over their fellow Melanesians.

With star strike trio Batram Suri, Henry Fa'arodo and Commins Menapi all in glittering form, the scene is set for the Solomons to have their greatest day.

In their way, are Fiji.

The Fijians also have the scent of World Cup success in their noses and know that only a win will suffice against the Solomons tomorrow.

After the Solomons, Fiji face New Zealand in what is sure to be another blockbuster at Hindmarsh Stadium that will go along way to determining the final makeup of the competition.

Tony Buesnel's team will be without their villain and hero from their clash with Australia, midfield ace Laisaisa Gataurua, who was sent off last match for a careless punch on the Qantas Socceroos Tim Cahill.

Although, with star performers Esala Masi, Veresa Toma and Seveci Rokotakala rested and ready for action, the Fijians will have no shortage of firepower.

The history between these two sides is rich, but offers no clear indication as to who is favourite at Hindmarsh tomorrow.

In eleven previous encounters, Fiji has the edge with four wins wedged between their five draws and two losses to the Solomons.

Most recently, Fiji disposed of their island neighbours 2-1 at the South Pacific Games in 2003 in what was the first result other than a draw between the two for six years.

A proud rivalry will be ignited again tomorrow, but never have the stakes been so high.

Australia v Vanuatu

Qantas Socceroos coach Frank Farina has named six possible changes to his stating eleven that will take on giant killers Vanuatu at Hindmarsh Stadium tomorrow night.

Although not naming a definite starting team due to the condition of some players being questionable, Farina hinted that he might hand starts to under 23's David Tarka and Alex Brosque, with the former to be making his debut.

Along with the under 23 duo, Farina may recall Genclerbirligi midfielder Josip Skoko, Osasuna striker John Aloisi, former Aberdeen marksman David Zdrilic and Parma attacker Marco Bresciano, who looks to have recovered from a niggling foot injury.

Making way for the new sextet will be Vince Grella, Mile Sterjovski, Max Vieri, Scott Chipperfield and goal scorers against Fiji Adrian Madaschi and Tim Cahill.

Possible Qantas Socceroo lineup versus Vanuatu: Zeljko Kalac (gk), Jade North, Tony Vidmar, Patrick Kisnorbo, David Tarka, Brett Emerton, Josip Skoko, Marco Bresciano, Alex Brosque, John Aloisi, David Zdrilic

Farina will be sure to approach the match with Vanuatu with some caution, following their amazing victory over New Zealand last night that has thrown the 2004 OFC Nations Cup wide open.

Farina knows better than most the danger posed by Vanuatu, having escaped with narrow one and two-nil wins from their previous two encounters.

"Obviously it's a shock that they won by such a big margin and so comfortably," said Farina when quizzed on Vanuatu's upset win over New Zealand last night.

"I saw with the under 23's for example, Vanuatu most probably deserved to beat New Zealand then.

"It shows that they're improving and proves that they're capable of beating sides like New Zealand.

"It came as a shock, but not as bigger shock as some people think it is."

Despite Vanuatu's surprise win, Farina is confident his charges will do the job tomorrow.

"The only surprising thing is that they managed to score four, when New Zealand performed reasonably well against us at the back," said Farina from the Qantas Socceroos hotel today.

"They won't score four against us... I hope!"

The Vanuatuans are on a high after claiming their biggest ever scalp and will be looking forward to tomorrows clash with great enthusiasm, having revived their slim hopes of a top two finish.

Traditionally, Vanuatu have troubled the Qantas Socceroos in the past.

In the 2002 OFC Nations Cup, an under strength Australian side snuck two late goals to beat Carlos Buzzetti's men 2-0, having scraped through 1-0 two years earlier thanks to a Kevin Muscat penalty.

With their confidence high, the Vanuatuans will be sure to provide the Qantas Socceroos with a stern test and Adelaide's sporting community are sure to witness a quality showing of dramatic football in the South Australian capital tomorrow.

FOR STATISTICS AND UP TO DATE RESULTS, VISIT THE OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT WEBSITE LINKED TO THE HOMEPAGE.

ADELAIDE, 2 June 2004: Vanuatu has caused a huge upset in beating New Zealand 4-2 in the final match of round three at Hindmarsh Stadium tonight.

Vanuatu led 1-0 at the break courtesy of a brilliant goal from midfield general Seimata Chillia.

The All Whites hit back with a goal to replacement striker Vaughan Coveny after the break. But Vanuatu stole the lead back through defender Lexa Bula Bibi who through the middle to follow through a Chillia pass.

Vanuatu extended the lead to 3-1 when Jean Maleb struck in the 72nd minute but Coveny kept his team in touch with his second goal not long after to make the score 3-2.

But rather than caving in under the pressure of the last quarter, Vanuatu hung on and were rewarded when Alphose Qorig scored the winner four minutes from the end. The 4-2 winning margin confirmed the result as a historic victory for the island nation over Oceania's second ranked nation.

FULL MATCH REPORT TO FOLLOW ON OFFICIAL WEBSITE LINKED TO OFC WEBSITE HOMEPAGE

ADELAIDE: After an impressive, but ultimately disappointing loss to New Zealand in the second round, the Alan Gillett coached Solomon Islands team got back to winning ways with an emphatic 4-0 win over Tahiti at Hindmarsh Stadium tonight.

The win is the Solomons second of the 2004 OFC Nations Cup/FIFA World Cup - Stage 2 preliminaries and keeps their hopes alive of making the top two.

Commins Menapi made amends for his wayward shooting against New Zealand with two sensational goals in either half. Fellow striker Batram Suri and attacking midfielder Henry Fa'arodo also got on the scoresheet helping the Solomons to a healthy 3-0 lead at half-time.

Tahiti tightened up their defence in the second half and began to dictate isolated periods coming close to scoring on several occasions. Unluckily, their best chances either hit the woodwork or thwarted by the goalkeeper.

PLEASE VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE BY CLICKING ON THE ICON LOCATED ON THE HOMEPAGE, FOR DETAILED STATISTICS AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE.

ADELAIDE, 2 June 2004: Australia has booked their place for Stage 3 of the OFC Nations Cup/FIFA World Cup preliminaries after a fiery 6-1 win over Fiji at Marden Sports Complex today.

The Tony Buesnel coached Fijian side proved competitive in the first half replying to Adrian Madaschi's opening goal with the equaliser provided by Laisiasa Gataurua who was later sent off early in the second half for a retaliatory challenge after being brought down in a Tim Cahill tackle.

Australia went into the break with a slim 2-1 lead after Tim Cahill put the Socceroos in the front with another trademark header.

With Fiji's confidence up and the Socceroos fighting for every possession, Madaschi extended his side's lead with his second goal of the evening. Not longer after Fiji were reduced to ten men when Gataurua was sent off which effectively killed off any hopes of a comeback.

Tim Cahill showed off his goal-scoring prowess to again torment the Fijians completing his hat-trick with consecutive goals in the 66th and 75th minute - again from headers.

Replacement Ahmad Elrich finished off the scoring with a late goal to send the crowd of over 2000 in celebratory mode knowing their team would now compete in the OFC Nations Cup final home and away on 9 & 13 October and also the World Cup playoff next year in September.

CHECK THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE BY CLICKING ON THE OFC NATIONS CUP ICON ON THE HOMEPAGE FOR OFFICIAL STATISTICS

Australia v Fiji

Frank Farina has called in the cavalry to grace the Marden Sports Complex tomorrow, naming an imposing side bursting with overseas pedigree to take on top two hopefuls Fiji.

Farina has made five changes to the eleven that thrashed Tahiti 9-0 last night, with Patrick Kisnorbo, who earns his first start since the 2002 OFC Nations Cup final, joined by Brett Emerton, Marco Bresciano and Max Vieri who were rested against the Polynesians after starting against New Zealand.

FC Basel striker Mile Sterjovski will also earn his first start since February's 1-1 draw with Venezuela, following his three-goal bonanza as a substitute against Tahiti.

Qantas Socceroos Starting Lineup v Fiji: Zeljko Kalac (gk), Jade North, Adrian Madaschi, Patrick Kisnorbo, Tony Vidmar, Brett Emerton, Vince Grella, Tim Cahill, Marco Bresciano, Max Vieri, Mile Sterjovski

Tomorrow's match at Marden will be the ninth clash between the two nations and the Qantas Socceroos are fully aware of the threat posed by their island neighbours.

Unlike any other team from the pacific, Fiji have twice beaten Australia and are seldom obliging to succumb to defeat to Oceania's top team.

Both matches won by the Fijians occurred on Fiji turf and both included the same score line, 1-0.

Most recently, the Fijians derailed the Qantas Socceroos Italia 90' World Cup campaign courtesy of a devastating one-goal victory in Nadi.

Since then though, it has been relatively smooth sailing for Australia, as they have chalked up 18 goals in their past four outings with the white and blacks.

In the last edition of the OFC Nations Cup, an under strength Qantas Socceroos side hammered a disappointing Fiji 8-0 in Auckland.

The was result was a surprising one, given the tough resistance Farina's men encountered in Coffs Harbour a year earlier, where goals to Steve Corica and Hayden Foxe saw the Qantas Socceroos through in front of 5 000 fans in the first stage of qualifiers for Korea/Japan 2002.

The Fijians now linger as the only island side capable of dumping New Zealand out of stage three contention, following their scrappy 1-0 win over Vanuatu last night.

Tony Buesnel's men have yet to deliver their best in the 2004 OFC Nations Cup but are sure to be switched on for tomorrow's clash in the boutique surrounds of the Marden Sports Complex.

Tahiti v Solomon Islands

The first OFC Nations Cup 2004 fixture at Hindmarsh Stadium tomorrow night brings together the two qualifiers from Group A in stage one, that being Tahiti and the Solomon Islands.

Of the two, the Solomon Islands in particular have shone with great promise in the tournament so far and came within a whisker of upsetting regional giants New Zealand yesterday at the Marden Sports Complex.

While the final score line read a misleading 3-0 to the All Whites, Alan Gillett's men performed with an honour not seen in a Solomons shirt for some time and can consider themselves very unlucky not to have come away with something from the match.

The loss was the Solomons first in eight games under Gillett, and the Englishman will be hopeful of sending his side back into the winner's circle tomorrow in an encounter that traditionally brings very little success to the Melanesians.

In nine previous meetings with Tahiti, the Solomons have posted a win on only one occasion, that being in the France 98' qualifiers in Sydney, when the Solomons romped home 4-1.

The Tahitians have since gone on a four match unbeaten run against the Solomons, which was added to most recently in the Honiara stage one qualifiers.

On that occasion, a late goal to veteran Batram Suri salvaged a draw for Gillett's charges in a match that was of little concern to the Solomons, as they had already qualified through to the next stage.

After their deflating loss to New Zealand yesterday, Gillett will be hopeful his tired squad will be up for the occasion tomorrow, which will be their first in the stadium surrounds of Hindmarsh.

Tahiti, still smarting from their thrashing at the hands of hosts Australia last night, will be looking to post their first win of the tournament, having drawn blanks with Fiji in their opening match at Hindmarsh.

The Polynesian's surprised many with their overtly withdrawn and defeatist approach in their encounter with the Qantas Socceroos and will be looking to eradicate their poor attacking form tomorrow.

Gerard Kautai's men have now gone five halves of international soccer without scoring, although before last night had only conceded one goal in six matches.

Tahiti's youthful squad is sure to be put to the test tomorrow, as they try to halt the Solomons charge to their crown as Oceania's top ranked island team.

Prior to this tournament, the Tahitians best finish in an OFC Nations Cup tournament was in 2002, where the then Patrick Jacquemet coached side finished a morale boosting third, squeezing out Vanuatu in the third place playoff.

Hopes of a similar feat rest on tomorrows match and the Tahitians are hoping to add to their impressive collection of wins over the Solomons, which currently sits at five in nine matches.

New Zealand v Vanuatu

The final match of round three of the OFC Nations Cup sees New Zealand take on the Vanuatu at Hindmarsh Stadium in what is sure to be a contest that offers redemption for both sides.

For New Zealand, coach Mick Waitt will be begging for a performance of quality following his admissions of the All Whites abysmal showing against the Solomons yesterday.

As for Vanuatu, coach Carlos Buzzetti would be the first to admit that his side has been disappointing in losing both their opening matches 1-0, after having such high expectations coming into the tournament.

The Vanuatuans have been on the improve ever since Buzzetti assumed the role as Vanuatuan Technical Director, with the Uruguayan born coach taking the Vanuatuans from regional minnows to the third place playoff at the last two OFC Nations Cup's and third place at 2003's South Pacific Games.

However, the Melanesian side has under performed in the tournament thus far, failing to score a goal against both the Solomon Islands and Fiji en route to successive defeats.

Unfortunately for Buzzetti's charges, their task does not become any easier, as tomorrow they face Oceania's second highest ranked team, who are on the rebound after an embarrassing performance yesterday.

The All Whites come into this match with a lot still to prove after they fuelled the fire of their doubters yesterday with a below par showing against their much less fancied opponents.

The New Zealanders have never lost to Vanuatu in a senior international, although they did draw with their island neighbours at under 17 level in February 2003 at the Gold Coast.

Goal scorers on that day, Steven Old from New Zealand and Jean Maleb of Vanuatu should both feature prominently for their respective sides tomorrow.

In six encounters with Vanuatu, New Zealand have amassed 30 goals and conceded just three.

Most recently, the All Whites beat Vanuatu in an OFC Nations Cup semi final in Auckland.

The last time a Vanuatuan put a goal past New Zealand was in the 2000 edition of the OFC Nations Cup in Tahiti, when current Vanuatu striker Richard Iwai gave his side an unexpected lead in their Group B clash in Papeete, before surrendering three goals to go down 3-1. - By Ben Coonan

ADELAIDE: A late second half goal from Fijian striker Veresa Toma has ended Vanuatu's World Cup qualifying hopes in the final match of round two at Hindmarsh Stadium tonight.

Toma's goal was enough for Fiji to avenge its humiliating 0-3 loss to Vanuatu in the Stage 1 qualifiers in Apia two weeks earlier.

Toma had received the ball in front of goal outside the box but almost bombed the chance at point blank range but luckily for him, Vanuatu captain and goalkeeper David Chilia had dove in the wrong direction.

It was a bitter blow for the Vanuatu team who were gaining in confidence with more possession coming their way in the second half. The Fijians had controlled much of the first half through their sheer physical approach which upset the Vanuatu pattern.

Vanuatu struggled to get into any rhythm in the face of Fiji's suffocating man on man defence. Fiji had the better of the scoring chances but were unable to finish from prime positions.

In the end, Vanuatu made a late flurry but was unable to get the equaliser going down 1-0 to their Melanesian rival.

Round 2: Match 6 - 31 May 2004, 8:00pm

Fiji vs Vanuatu

Full-time score: 1-0 Fiji

Half-time score: 0-0 draw

Goal-scorers: Fiji - (10) Veresa Toma 73'

Cautions: Fiji - (10) Veresa Toma 19'; (16) Viliame Toma 42'; Van - (13) Richard Iwai 45'

Expulsions: none

Crowd Attendance: 500+

Weather: Overcast

Venue: Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide

Match Officials:

Match Commissioner: Lee Harmon (Cook Islands)

Referee Inspector: Ken Wallace (New Zealand)

Referee: Charles Ariiotima (Tahiti)

Assistant Referee 1: Michel Angot (Tahiti)

Assistant Referee 2: Claudio Puglisi (Italy)

Fourth Official: Stefano Farina (Italy)

Team Lists (& Substitutions)

FIJI

23. Laisenia Tuba RGK

2. Lorima Dau

7. Malakai Kainihewe

9. Thomas Vulivuli

10. Veresa Toma

12. Esala Masinisau (c) (-82')

13. Taniela Waqa

15. Salesh Kumar

16. Viliame Toma (-46')

17. Seveci Rokotakala

18. Laisiasa Gataurua

Subs

1. Simione Tamanisau RGK

4. Alvin Avinesh

5. Emosi Baleinuku (+82')

6. Jone Vesikula

11. Luke Vidovi (+46')

19. Ovini Duguca

21. Pene Erenio

22. Waisake Sabuto

Coach: Tony Buesnel

VANUATU

1. David Chilia (c) GK

2. Geoffrey Lego Lete (-82')

4. Lexa Bule Bibi

6. Graham Demas

7. Fedy Vava

9. Seimata Chilia

10. Etienne Mermer

11. Moise Poida (-87')

12. Lorry Thompsen

13. Richard Iwai (-46')

15. Daniel Koko Alick

Subs:

3. Manley Junior Tabe

5. Wilkins Simon Lauru

8. Joe Iautu Ture

14. Pita David Maki

16. Alphose Qorig (+82')

17. Jean Emmanuel Maleb (+46')

18. Maki Gerard Haitong

19. Roger Joe (+87')

20. Charly Kalsanei RGK

21. Tom Manses

Coach: Juan Carlos Buzzetti

ADELAIDE, 31 May 2004: Australia has comfortably beaten Tahiti 9-0 in the second match of round two at Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide tonight.

Australian-born part Samoan midfielder, Tim Cahill, making his first start for the Socceroos, scored the game's first goal in the 14th minute with a trademark header in the box. He scored his second goal in similar fashion from a corner just after the break.

Australia went into the break with a 3-0 lead helped by an own goal by Tahiti a minute shy of the whistle. A few minutes earlier, Josip Skoko had scored from just outside the box.

The committed effort by the Tahitians fell away after the two goal spree just before half-time and they never recovered after the break as the merciless Socceroos piled on more misery.

Replacement Mile Sterjovski came on to score a second half hat-trick while David Zrilic and Scott Chipperfield inflated the lead with two well taken goals at the end. By then the Tahitian cause had withered considerably. It was a far cry from the urgency they displayed against Fiji in their first round draw.

The match was an otherwise clean affair with no cards in front of an appreciative crowd of close to 1200 braving the cold.

Round 2: Match 5 - 31 May 2004, 5:30pm

Australia vs Tahiti

Full-time score: 9-0 Australia

Half-time score: 3-0 Australia

Goal-scorers: Aus - (10) Tim Cahill 14', 47'; (8) Josip Skoko 43'; OG Tahiti 44'; (15) Mile Sterjovski 51', 61', 74'; (17) David Zrilic 85'; (6) Scott Chipperfield 89'

Cautions: none

Expulsions: none

Crowd Attendance: 1,200+

Weather: Overcast

Venue: Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide

Match Officials:

Match Commissioner: Tautulu Roebeck (Samoa)

Referee Inspector: Hari Naicker (Fiji)

Referee: Harry Attison (Vanuatu)

Assistant Referee 1: Tony Meltetamat (Vanuatu)

Assistant Referee 2: Paul Dunham (New Zealand)

Fourth Official: Claus Bo Larsen (Denmark)

Team Lists (& Substitutions)

AUSTRALIA

18. Zeljko Kalac GK

2. Jade North

5. Tony Vidmar (c)

6. Scott Chipperfield

8. Josip Skoko (-46')

9. John Aloisi (-46')

10. Tim Cahill

11. Stan Lazaridis (-46')

13. Vince Grella

17. David Zrilic

20. Adrian Madaschi

Subs

3. Steve Laybutt

4. Simon Colosimo

7. Brett Emerton

12. Alex Brosque

14. Patrick Kisnorbo (+46')

15. Mile Sterjovski (+46')

19. Max Vieri

21. Ahmad Elrich (+46')

22. Brad Jones RGK

23. Marco Bresciano

Coach: Frank Farina

TAHITI

19. Daniel Tapeta GK

2. Angelo Tchen

3. Pierre Kugogne

5. Jean-Yves Liwaut (-80')

7. Samuel Garcia (c)

8. Billy Mataitai

10. Axel Temataua

12. Farahia Teuira

13. Vincent Simon (-61')

16. Felix Tagawa

17. Hiro Labaste (-58')

Subs

1. Stanley Tien Wah RGK

4. Iotua Kautai

6. Harry Tong Sang

9. Gabriel Wajoka

11. Taufa Neuffer (+58')

14. Rino Moretta

15. Larry Marmouyet (+61')

18. Georges Pittoeff (+80')

20. Xavier Samin

Coach: Gerard Kautai

ADELAIDE: New Zealand overcame a spirited and entertaining Solomon Islands unit but the 3-0 scoreline did not reflect the competitive nature of the round two contest played at Marden Sports Complex.

In front of a vocal crowd of around 200 spectators, the New Zealanders struggled to contain the speedy island underdogs, particularly in the first half.

But they were able to maintain their shape and composure. Brent Fisher scored ten minutes before the break after some excellent lead up work by Aaran Lines who made the initial break down the left flank, and midfielder Simon Elliot who found Fisher in the box with a deft pass.

Duncan Oughton and Aaran Lines added two goals late in the second half to end any hopes of a Solomons comeback. Oughton's goal was a gift having just got onto the field replacing Timothy Brown, he capitalised on a error by Solomons goalkeepr Severino Aefi who failed to control simple catch.

Ironically, the Solomons had the better and most scoring chances but either the final pass was poor or the finishing wayward. New Zealand goalkeeper Mark Paston had a busy night and had to pull off a number of fine saves, particularly in the second half.

Alick Maemae and Batram Suri were superb for the islanders but their finishing let them down. Stanley Waita and central defender George Suri also had big games, the latter shutting down All White ace striker Vaughan Coveny.

Round 2: Match 4 - 31 May 2004, 2:00pm

New Zealand vs Solomon Islands

Full-time score: 3-0 New Zealand

Half-time score: 1-0 New Zealand

Goal-scorers: NZ - (13) Brent Fisher 36'; (2) Duncan Oughton 81'; (8) Aaran Lines 90'

Cautions: Sol - (16) Stanley Waita 20'; NZ - (7) Ivan Vicelich 23'; (3) David Mulligan 57'

Expulsions: none

Crowd Attendance: 200+

Weather: Fine

Venue: Marden Sports Complex, Adelaide

Match Officials:

Match Commissioner: Madiu Andrew (Papua New Guinea)

Referee Inspector: Yves Taga (Vanuatu)

Referee: Eduardo Gonzales (Spain)

Assistant Referee 1: Pedro Hernandez (Spain)

Assistant Referee 2: Michael Mouauri (Cook Islands)

Fourth Official: Mark Shield (Australia)

Team Lists (& Substitutions)

NEW ZEALAND

1. Mark Paston GK

3. David Mulligan

4. Steven Old

5. Che Bunce

6. Tony Lochhead

7. Ivan Vicelich

8. Aaran Lines

10. Timothy Brown (-80')

12. Simon Elliot (c) (-85')

13. Brent Fisher

16. Vaughan Coveny (-74')

Subs

2. Duncan Oughton (+80')

9. Noah Hickey

11. Leo Bertos (+74')

15. Michael Wilson (+85')

17. Raffaele de Gregorio

18. Shane Smeltz

19. Neil Jones

20. Andrew Boyens

21. Rupesh Puna

22. Glen Moss RGK

23. Tamati Williams

SOLOMON ISLANDS

20. Severino Aefi GK

3. Mahlon Houkarawa

6. Nelson Kilifa

7. Alick Maemae

10. Batram Suri (c)

11. Commins Menapi

16. Stanley Waita (-66')

17. Gideon Omokirio

18. Henry Fa'arodo

19. Paul Kakai Jr

21. George Suri

Subs:

1. Felix Ray Jr RGK

2. Leslie Leo

4. Martin Ruhasia

5. Phillip Boe

8. Joel Konofilia

12. Francis Wasi

13. George Lui

14. Jack Samani (+66')

15. Moses Toata

22. Francis Aruwafu

Coach: Alan Gillett