Aspiration and perspiration were the buzzwords of the day as the fitness levels of elite referees and assistant referees from around the OFC were placed under scrutiny at Mount Smart Stadium today. The group underwent a rigorous assessment of their physical capabilities under the watchful eyes of fitness instructor Alejo Leguizamon.

The fitness test consisted of a speed and endurance test that pushed many participants to their limits.

The morning began with two lectures on Nutritional Requirements and Injury Prevention before training gear was donned and the group headed down to the track to be put through their paces.

The tests are designed to be specific to the requirements of referees and assistant referees. Fitness instructor Alejo Leguizamon set out to discover which officials had prepared well for the test and those that hadn't.

Overall, Leguizamon was pleased with the results.

"We have a very professional set-up and I was pleased with the outcome of the sprints. We have candidates who are very close to the top FIFA referees which is encouraging. Some of them are even faster still."

Assistant Referee Tevita Makasini of Tonga recorded 4.91 seconds over a distance of just 40m on two separate occasions. For the Referees Peter O'Leary of New Zealand performed to a high standard with Mike Hester recording the fastest time for referees during the sprint of 5.09 seconds.

Leguizamon regarded the performance of both men as exceptional. He said it was important for Referees to maintain a high level of performance in interval training and that Assistant Referees required more explosiveness over a short distance.

"One of the benefits of this test is to educate the officials on specific forms of training rather than just going out for a long run. This stimulates them to train in a more structured way."

New Zealand Assistant Referee, Brent Best, said the test was challenging but that his background in the Hyundai-A League stood him in good stead.

"I've had two seasons of officiating in the Hyundai-A League and that helped me today. I know one or two found the fitness test harder than others but I'm pleased with my performance".

Best's dream assignment is to officiate at the FIFA World Cup and he has already had a taste of international football when he officiated in New Zealand's friendly against Malaysia in Christchurch.

"The New Zealand game is my only `A' international to date. Prior to that I was involved in New Zealand Under 20's match with Chile at North Harbour Stadium in 2004."

Best has officiated in the NZFC, the OFC Club Championships in 2005 and 2006, and at Northern Ireland's Milk Cup competition in 2006. He was involved in three matches, Wales v. USA, Northern Ireland v. Turkey, and the final match, USA v. Paraguay.

As one of the more experienced officials involved in the Elite Referee's course Best says there is great value to be gained for the participants.

"Courses like these are good for networking and learning about our colleagues from other countries. It helps if you meet officials from elsewhere because if you are working together in the future at least you already have a rapport."

FUTSAL AND BEACH SOCCER INTEGRAL TO OFC DEVELOPMENT

The picturesque setting at Temae Beach on the island of Moorea off Tahiti proved an ideal afternoon off for the participants at the FIFA Futsal and Beach Soccer Seminar. The trip was not an excuse for fun in the sun as it provided an opportunity for the course participants to see beach soccer live for the first time in the region.

FIFA is committed to developing futsal and beach soccer into a global phenomenon and the popularity of both continues to soar in all corners of the world. Oceania is no different and the impending arrival of the first Pacific Island nation at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup - with the Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, and Vanuatu fighting to represent OFC - provided added impetus and interest in the course content.

Following comprehensive assessments by the FIFA Development Office based in New Zealand investigating the current and planned activities in both forms of the game technical and administration staff from around the Pacific region descended on Papeete, Tahiti for the 1 to 4 September seminar.

Whilst there the participants benefited from the expert guidance of FIFA Instructors Scot Gilligan and Charles Ronlez under the leadership of Jaime Yarza, Head of Futsal and Beach Soccer development at FIFA. Also joining the FIFA teaching team were Beach Soccer Worldwide representatives Fulvio Danilas and Phillipe Bourdarias.

"The idea of this seminar is to develop these two forms of our sport. Worldwide, futsal and beach soccer have almost as many players as football, and a number of great players have honed their skills on a futsal or beach soccer pitch" said Yarza.

The four days in Tahiti gave FIFA the opportunity to inform the Member Associations of American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Tonga, and Vanuatu their development plans for futsal and beach soccer. In a similar sense OFC was able to present its plans on the two forms of football.

For many of the course participants, and indeed their Member Associations, it provided a chance to exchange experiences and best practices between each other and see how FIFA and OFC could provide assistance in establishing or strengthening futsal and beach soccer activities.

Perhaps most importantly, the seminar gave the all parties an opportunity to promote and develop a long-term approach to the relatively new forms of football.

OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas is enthused by the prospects of both, but is particularly excited by the future of beach soccer in Oceania, "The natural geography of our region lends itself to this form of the game, and resource wise it provides an attractive alternative for some of our smaller National Associations, especially in terms of the simple things like not needing to have football boots"

"Along the same lines futsal is an attractive option for our players to show their skills. For us [OFC] small-sided games will play a big part in the development of quality players at all levels" Nicholas continued.

Initially for some National Associations futsal and beach soccer will be heavily used at grassroots level due to the lack of infrastructure within some countries. In this regard facilities such as mini-pitches in schools, beaches, villages, and churches will be utilized therefore becoming an increasingly important part of football development.

The seminar in Tahiti should prove to be the first step towards ensuring futsal and beach soccer growth in the Oceania Football Confederation.

FUTURO III PROMISES A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR OCEANIA COACHING DEVELOPMENT

The 2006 Futuro III Coaching Refresher Course concluded at the Millennium Centre, Auckland today and was declared an overwhelming success by FIFA Development Officer, Glenn Turner.

The course, designed to assist "coaches to coach coaches" within the Oceania Confederation, was run by FIFA Instructors, Roy Miller (Northern Ireland) and Dr. Gyorgy Mezey (Hungary), and followed up last year's introductory programme held in July 2005.

The refresher course provided last year's participants with the opportunity to reacquaint themselves with various aspects of coaching development that included match analysis, tutoring, presentation skills, technical and skills co-ordination, video and laptop analysis, coach practice, a visit to a professional club (New Zealand Knights) and the importance of small sided games in developing playing talent.

Roy Miller was buoyed by the coaching talent on display.

"These were very capable candidates. There was youthfulness, a vibrancy and level of enthusiasm that says to me the future of football in Oceania is very, very healthy. There is a real feeling of optimism about the next generation of coaches," Miller said.

Miller said the course was both intense and challenging but the candidates developed a sense of camaraderie and teamwork that created a positive learning environment. Miller believes the challenge now was for those on the course to take what they had learned back to their countries and add value to their own development programmes.

Dr. Mezey was equally impressed by the open atmosphere and desire to learn.

"The people in Oceania are very open and welcoming and this means we have been able to teach more in one week than in many other places in the world. The candidates motivation levels were very high and they have made huge steps forward in their development," Dr. Mezey said.

Patrick Miniti, coach of the Solomon Island U-20 national team, was equally positive.

"This course has provided us with a methodology that is very progressive. Roy (Miller) and Gyorgy (Mezey) applied a practical and scientific approach to the practical coaching sessions that I found highly relevant to the needs of football in my country," Miniti said.

Tahitian development officer, Alain Neuffer, said the technical and tactical information that was imparted during the course was "just extraordinary".

Neuffer added that the instructors information on how to teach coaches was good and that the course had offered participants the opportunity to discuss solutions to many of the shared challenges within the Confederation.

Papua New Guinea's John Davani said building coaches in Oceania was critical and the course instructors and facilities were first class. Davani said he aimed to implement many of the lessons of the course in technical development at junior level back home.

Roy Miller and Dr Mezey had praise for the involvement of local high school students from Rangitoto College who took part in training sessions run by course participants.

NEW ZEALAND COACH HAILS DENONE NATIONS CUP A SUCCESS

Keith Pritchett hailed his New Zealand team's effort at the 2006 Danone Nations Cup a success despite a busy schedule of activity against high quality opposition. The 32-team tournament brought together children between the ages of 10 and 12 years old in a celebration of football.

The former All White coach said the Danone Nations Cup campaign stretched the abilities of his squad but added the Festival of Football in Fiji had been a valuable build-up.

"Fiji was fantastic preparation for us because it was the first time away from home for many of the boys. In a different environment the players had to learn to work together", Pritchett said.

New Zealand were handed a tough draw alongside hosts France, Germany, and South Africa in Group F. Results were tight but respectable with New Zealand losing to France, 3-1, Germany, 2-0, and South Africa, 1-0.

"The team did well particularly playing against players with excellent fitness and technique and in front of fanatical crowds", Pritchett said.

The Danone Nations Cup is based on four key values of openness, fairplay, accessibility and the pleasure of the game of football, teaching participants about the value of cultural diversity and mutual respect.

Players from around the world were encouraged to make friendships with each other and share cultural performances.

Oceania Football Confederation attachée, Beatrice Tchen Pan, said the New Zealand team enjoyed this aspect of the Danone Nations Cup.

"The New Zealand team embraced the many cultures of the tournament and enjoyed meeting the South African team. After every game the players tried to overcome language barriers and swap wristbands and playing kit. The Danone Nations Cup helped bring Oceania's unique culture to the rest of the world despite the vast distance we travelled."

Zinedine Zidane has been ambassador for the Danone Nations Cup since 2003 and attended the tournament at the Stade de Gerland on the final day.

Reunion Islands won the Danone Nations Cup for the second time with New Zealand finishing 27th out of the 32 teams.

The Oceania Football Confederation's (OFC) first ever Elite Referees and Assistant Referees Programme is being hosted at Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland, from 20-22 September 2006.

The course is designed to identify referees within the OFC region that have both the physiological ability and knowledge base to be appointed to the FIFA referees panel.

OFC Technical Director, Jim Selby, said the programme would be part of an ongoing review of education programmes across the board whether they are for referees or coaches.

"The course will focus on examination of the laws of the game, fitness levels, and upskilling on law interpretation. The well-being of referees is also important and there is attention paid to nutrition and injury-prevention. We are aiming to get our participants to perform at a level where they are officiating at OFC and FIFA events."

The OFC Referees Committee members Chandra Segran (Fiji), Ken Wallace (New Zealand), Alejo Leguizamon (New Zealand/Argentina) and Massimo Raveino (Tahiti) will put the course participants through their paces during an intense 3-day period.

A total of 38 referees and assistant referees from around New Zealand and the South Pacific will descend on Auckland.

Jim Selby said one of the key challenges referees from the OFC face is player management.

"Player management is an area where referees can improve. We belong to a culturally diverse part of the world so how the laws of the game are activated can vary."

OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas is optimistic the course will pave a road for referees and assistant referees from the Region to appear at the 2010 FIFA World Cup^TM.

The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has appointed Gordon Glen Watson as Media and Communications Officer.

The 32-year-old will replace Seamus Marten who takes on a new role as Head of Competitions.

Watson will be responsible for internal and external communication, website and new media communication, and all media relations.

OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas notes the appointment is part of wider changes to the administration of football in the region.

"The Oceania Football Confederation is rapidly expanding and this appointment reflects our growing need to ensure the best personnel work for the Confederation. Gordon has a good reputation in football circles and we are happy to have him involved with OFC."

Watson's work has been published by the Waikato Times and Manawatu Evening Standard and he worked as Media Officer for Waikato FC in the New Zealand Football Championship in its inaugural season.

The quality of his work culminated in his nomination as New Zealand Soccer Writer of the Year in 2002 and 2003. He has also been an executive member of the New Zealand Soccer Media Association.

Watson played club football in the New Zealand National League with Manawatu and in the Chatham Cup Final with Melville United in 2003, and captained New Zealand Universities to a 2-2 draw with the Solomon Islands and 0-2 loss with Vanuatu in 2002.

He is player/coach of Ngaruawahia United but is happy to be involved in the administrative side of the game.

"I'm delighted to be involved with football in this region and I'm looking forward to tackling many of the unique challenges the job entails. I believe the game is entering an exciting new era in Oceania with Australia leaving for Asia."

Watson has a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English and History and a National Diploma in Journalism.

He commenced the role on 12 September 2006.

FAIRYTALE FOR SOLOMON ISLANDS AS BILIKIKI EYE BRAZIL

The Solomon Islands produced a piece of history after their 6-2 defeat of Vanuatu at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Qualifiers on the island of Moorea. The Solomon Bilikiki are the first team other than New Zealand or Australia - when they were part of the Oceania Football Confederation - to qualify for a FIFA world event.

For years the Solomon Islands have been described as the "Brazilians of the South Pacific" and now have the opportunity to see for themselves by qualifying for November's World Cup at the famous Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro.

The Solomons outgunned a fatigued looking Vanuatu outfit holding them scoreless in the opening and closing periods of the match. The Bilikiki attack was spearheaded by the experience of Henry Koto and the pace and trickery of James Naka, both got on the scoresheet, as did Richard Anisua (2) and captain Gideon Omokirio.

Jean Emmanuel Maleb's double strike was the only reward for Vanuatu, after the match coach Juan Carlos Buzzetti conceded that perhaps the pre-tournament favourites had played their final a day earlier against Tahiti.

Buzzetti could thank his `keeper Chikau Mansale that the scoreline was not higher after the custodian produced a string of top-class saves in the first period, and maintained his high standards throughout the rest of the match. In fact Mansale was presented the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament award at the conclusion of the match. His opposite number Fred Hale was also in spectacular form thwarting wave-after-wave of Vanuatu attack.

"This is a dream come true for us" an ecstatic Vivian Wickham said after the game. Wickham (24) is perhaps the youngest coach in history to lead a team to a World Cup.

"Some of the boys had never left the country before, so to have achieved what we have in such a short period is amazing" Wickham added.

In the match for third place Tahiti outlasted the Cook Islands 12-4 in a highly entertaining match in atrocious conditions. The Cooks saved their best for last with a much improved performance against a wounded Tahitian team.

At 4-4 in the early stages of the second period an upset looked as though it could be on the cards but the hosts kicked clear scoring eight unanswered goals including five to tournament top scorer Teiva Izal. The mercurial Tahitian also picked up the Best Player of the Tournament accolade. While the youthful Cook Islands side were awarded the Fair Play Trophy.

Gusty winds and heavy rain plagued the final match day but the sun was shining on the Solomons who performed the Bilikiki dance for the fans in celebration of their win.

Results - Match Day 4 (3 September 2006)

Vanuatu 2

Solomon Islands 6

Vanuatu - 1. Chiaku Mansale; 2. Saen Fanai; 3. Ken Masauvakalo (c); 4. Derek Malas; 5. Mousa Sam; 6. Seimata Chilia; 7. Fenedy Masauvakalo; 8. Jean Emmanuel Maleb; 9. Seule Soromon; 11. Yanick Merka

Goals - Maleb (2)

Solomon Islands - 1. Fred Hale; 3. Gideon Omokirio; 4. Eddie Ngaitini; 5. Richard Anisua; 6. George Kwanae; 7. Henry Koto; 8. Slyvester Rogy; 9. Joe Luwi; 10. James Naka; 21. Paul Huia

Goals - Anisua (2), Koto (2), Naka, Omokirio

Tahiti 12

Cook Islands 4

Tahiti - 1. Mikael Roche; 2. Sebastien Labayen; 3. Jacques Qaeze; 4. Rainui Tirao; 5. Angelo Tchen; 6. Raimana Lee Fung Kuee; 7. Thierry Qaeze; 8. Abel Terevaura (c); 9. Teiva Izal; 11. Pierrot Malfati

Goals - Izal (6), Lee Fung Kuee (4), Terevaura, Malfati

Cook Islands - 1. Rouruoaroa Une; 2. John Pareanga (c); 3. Eugene Tattuava; 4. Grover Harmon; 5. Teariki Mateariki; 6. Paavo Mustonen; 7. Ruatoto Henry; 8. Eddie Brogan; 9. Tereapii Angene; 11. Anonga Tisam

Goals - Harmon, Angene, Meteariki, Mustonen

Final Standings (FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Qualifier - Tahiti)

1. Solomon Islands

2. Vanuatu

3. Tahiti

4. Cook Islands

Leading Scorers (after Match Day 4)

Teiva Izal (Tahiti) 11

Henry Koto (Solomon Islands) 8

Richard Anisua (Solomon Islands) 7

Seule Soromon (Vanuatu) 7

James Naka (Solomon Islands) 6

Jean Emmanuel Maleb (Vanuatu) 6

Awards

Fair Play Cook Islands

Best Goalkeeper Chikau Mansale (Vanuatu)

Best Scorer Teiva Izal (Tahiti)

Best Player Teiva Izal (Tahiti)

NEW WORLD AHEAD FOR VANUATU OR SOLOMON ISLANDS

Either Vanuatu or the Solomon Islands with become the first Pacific Island country to qualify for a FIFA World Championship following the conclusion of Match Day 3 at the FIFA Beach Soccer Qualifier - Tahiti.

With the Solomons accounting for the Cook Islands 13-0 in the first match of the day, the hosts needed to topple the unbeaten Vanautu to advance to Sunday's (September 3) final at Temae Beach in Moorea. Four times Tahiti equalized but try as they may, it was not their day with Vanuatu triumphant 5-4.

Derek Malas opened the scoring before Teiva Izal equalized sending the packed stadium crazy. Seule Soromon again but the visitors in front but Izal again drew the teams level soon after. The third period had the 2,000 plus crowd on the edge of their seats as the action shifted from end to end with each looking for the advantage.

Jean Emmanuel Maleb nudged Vanuatu ahead poking past Pierrot Malfati, but Raimana Lee Fung Kuee blasted past the impressive Chikau Mansale. Seimata Chilia scored making it 4-3 before Izal completed his hat-trick from the restart to again draw the teams level.

Finally it was Soromon who broke the deadlock a minute from the end to eliminate Tahiti and allow Melanesian neighbours the Solomon Islands to sneak into the final.

The Solomons sent out an ominous warning to their final opponents with their clinical dismantling of the young Cooks side. Richard Anisua (5), Henry Koto (3), Gideon Omokirio (3), and James Naka (2) shared the goals as the Bilikiki Beach Soccer Boys dictated the pace of the game and rarely allowed their opposition to play.

The final will be a clash in styles pitting the pacy Vanuatu side against the controlled and deliberate Solomons.

"This is an exciting time for our Confederation, today's matches have shown us the talent and enthusiasm for beach soccer is already here. The qualification of either Vanuatu or the Solomons could also be the catalyst for an explosion in the popularity of the sport in Oceania," said OFC President Reynald Temariii

"We would love for all our Member Associations to have a beach soccer pitch in their own countries to fast-track the development of the sport" Temarii continued.

OFC General Secretary General Secretary Tai Nicholas fully endorsed the President's comments and added.

"The decision to host our qualifier in our own region has paid off, you only have to see the number of children who invade the pitch after the matches to realize the potential we have in this form of the game"

The final is set to kick off at 14:00 (Tahiti time) with a playoff between Tahiti and the Cook Islands as a curtain-raiser.

Results - Match Day 3 (2 September 2006)

Solomon Islands 13

Cook Islands 0

Solomon Islands - 1. Fred Hale; 3. Gideon Omokirio; 4. Eddie Ngaitini; 5. Richard Anisua; 6. George Kwanae; 7. Henry Koto; 8. Slyvester Rogy; 9. Joe Luwi; 10. James Naka; 21. Paul Huia

Goals - Anisua (5), Koto (3), Omokirio (3), Naka (2)

Cook Islands - 1. Rouruoaroa Une; 2. John Pareanga (c); 3. Eugene Tattuava; 4. Grover Harmon; 5. Teariki Mateariki; 6. Paavo Mustonen; 7. Ruatoto Henry; 8. Eddie Brogan; 9. Tereapii Angene; 11. Anonga Tisam

Tahiti 4

Vanuatu 5

Tahiti - 1. Mikael Roche; 2. Sebastien Labayen; 3. Jacques Qaeze; 4. Rainui Tirao; 5. Angelo Tchen; 6. Raimana Lee Fung Kuee; 7. Thierry Qaeze; 8. Abel Terevaura (c); 9. Teiva Izal; 11. Pierrot Malfati

Goals - Izal (3), Lee Fung Kuee

Vanuatu - 1. Chiaku Mansale; 2. Saen Fanai; 3. Ken Masauvakalo (c); 4. Derek Malas; 5. Mousa Sam; 6. Seimata Chilia; 7. Fenedy Masauvakalo; 8. Jean Emmanuel Maleb; 9. Seule Soromon; 11. Yanick Merka

Goals - Soromon (2), Maleb, Malas, Chilia

Standings (after Match Day 3)

1. Vanuatu

2. Solomon Islands

3. Tahiti

4. Cook Islands

Leading Scorers (after Match Day 3)

Seule Soromon (Vanuatu) 7

Henry Koto (Solomon Islands) 6

James Naka (Solomon Islands) 5

Richard Anisua (Solomon Islands) 5

Thierry Qaeze (Tahiti) 4

Mousa Sam (Vanuatu) 4

Jean Emmanuel Maleb (Vanuatu) 4

Seimata Chilia (Vanuatu) 4

2 FROM 2 FOR VANUATU AS SOLOMONS SHOCK HOSTS

There is all to play for on Match Day 3 of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Qualifier - Tahiti after a thrilling days play at Temae Beach. The Solomon Islands silenced the home supporters with a 3-2 win over the impressive Tahiti, while Vanuatu continued their winning ways with a 12-1 thumping of the Cook Islands.

In a hugely entertaining match in front of a parochial crowd on the island of Moorea located just off Tahiti, it was the Solomon Islands who clinched the 3 points with James Naka scoring with a minute to play in the third period sending the Melanesians into ecstasy and the hosts into a winner-takes-all match with Vanuatu tomorrow (2 September).

After a goalless first period the match burst into life soon after the resumption of play with Naka opening the scoring. Tahiti replied directly from the restart through Raimana Lee Fung Kuee squeezing his shot past the impressive Fred Hale in the Solomons goal. Richard Anisua gave the "Bilikiki Beach Soccer Boys" the lead again with the help of a deflection from Angelo Tchen, but the hosts buoyed by their noisy home fought back with Tchen making amends for his earlier error.

With Naka continually causing a threat for the Tahitian rearguard it seemed only a matter of time before the Bilikiki would regain the lead but the goal would not come. The visitors struck the crossbar twice in quick succession, while at the other end Hale was being kept busy turning away wave-after-wave of Tahiti attacks. With overtime looming Naka buried a free-kick past Mikael Roche and the Solomons were then content to defend their slender lead.

Earlier in the day Vanuatu struggled to find cohesion against another brave Cook Islands effort. The lop-sided scoreline masks the difficulty Carlos Buzzetti's side had in breaking down the Cooks, in fact it was only a glut of goals in the third period of the match that ballooned the score out. Seule Soromon did his best to lay claim to the title of tournament's most prolific scorer with four goals.

Vanuatu has one foot in Sunday's (Tahiti time) final needing to lose to Tahiti by a big margin for them to be out of contention.

The real interest lies in the fortunes of the Solomon Islands and Tahiti, on paper the Bilikiki Boys have the easier match against the winless Cooks but their fate could be sealed by a win to the hosts over Vanuatu. With large crowds expected for the weekend matches Vanuatu could do themselves a huge favour by eliminating the hosts and nullifying the home advantage.

The Solomon Islands take on the Cook Islands at 12:30 (Tahiti time), while the hosts crunch match is at 14:00 against Vanuatu.

Results - Match Day 2 (1 September 2006)

Cook Islands 1

Vanuatu 12

Cook Islands - 1. Rouruoaroa Une; 2. John Pareanga (c); 3. Eugene Tattuava; 4. Grover Harmon; 5. Teariki Mateariki; 6. Paavo Mustonen; 7. Ruatoto Henry; 8. Eddie Brogan; 9. Tereapii Angene; 11. Anonga Tisam

Goal - Harmon

Vanuatu - 1. Chiaku Mansale; 2. Saen Fanai; 3. Ken Masauvakalo (c); 4. Derek Malas; 5. Mousa Sam; 6. Seimata Chilia; 7. Fenedy Masauvakalo; 8. Jean Emmanuel Maleb; 9. Seule Soromon; 11. Yanick Merka

Goals - Soromon (4), Sam (2), Chilia (2), F. Masauvakalo (2), K. Masauvakalo, Maleb

Tahiti 2

Solomon Islands 3

Tahiti - 1. Mikael Roche; 2. Sebastien Labayen; 3. Jacques Qaeze; 4. Rainui Tirao; 5. Angelo Tchen; 6. Raimana Lee Fung Kuee; 7. Thierry Qaeze; 8. Abel Terevaura (c); 9. Teiva Izal; 11. Pierrot Malfati

Goals - Lee Fung Kuee, Tchen

Solomon Islands - 1. Fred Hale; 3. Gideon Omokirio; 4. Eddie Ngaitini; 5. Richard Anisua; 6. George Kwanae; 7. Henry Koto; 8. Slyvester Rogy; 9. Joe Luwi; 10. James Naka; 21. Paul Huia

Goals - Naka (2), Anisua

Standings (after Match Day 2)b

VAN 6pts

TAH 3pts

SOL 3pts

COK 0pts

Leading Scorers (after Match Day 2)

Seule Soromon (Vanuatu) 5

Thierry Qaeze (Tahiti) 4

Mousa Sam (Vanuatu) 4

Jean Emmanuel Maleb (Vanuatu) 3

Henry Koto (Solomon Islands) 3

James Naka (Solomon Islands) 3

Fenedy Masauvakalo (Vanuatu) 3

Seimata Chilia (Vanuatu) 3

TAHITI AND VANUATU RECORD FIRST UP BEACH WINS

The picturesque setting at Temae Beach exploded into life with the colour and vibrance that beach soccer brings as Tahiti sounded a warning to their fellow competitors at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Qualifier with an 8-1 demolition of the Cook Islands on the opening day in Moorea, French Polynesia.

Not to be outdone, Vanuatu accounted for their Melanesian neighbours the Solomon Islands 9-4 in a highly entertaining opening match.

Despite still being novices on the international scene Tahiti showed the benefit of having a purpose-built home facility thrilling the crowd with slick interplay and awesome acrobatics. Their impressive win was built on the skills of Abel Terevaura, Teiva Izal, Thierry Qaeze.

The plucky Cook Islanders gave it their all but their inexperience showed through as the size and aggression of the hosts won the day. Tahiti raced to a 5-0 lead after the first period and scored another before the Cooks pulled one back. The hosts eased of the pressure but maintained their dominance.

The match between the pre-tournament favourites Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands did not disappoint. The teams traded goals in the early stages of the first period with Vanuatu taking a slight advantage 3-1 into the first interval. Carlos Buzzetti's side then took a 6-2 lead into second interval. In the final period the Solomons staged a mini-comeback led by Henry Koto to take the score to 6-4 before Vanuatu scored regularly in final stages to secure the win.

Match day 2 pits the Cook Islands against Vanuatu before the feature game between Tahiti and the Solomon Islands.

Results - Match Day 1 (31 August 2006)

Vanuatu 9 (Sam (2), Maleb (2), K. Masauvakalo, Malas, Soromon, F. Masauvakalo, Chilia)

Solomon Islands 4 (Koto (3), Naka)

Vanuatu - 1. Chiaku Mansale; 2. Saen Fanai; 3. Ken Masauvakalo; 4. Derek Malas; 5. Mousa Sam; 6. Seimata Chilia; 7. Fenedy Masauvakalo; 8. Jean Emmanuel Maleb; 9. Seule Soromon; 11. Yanick Merka

Solomon Islands - 21. Fred Hale; 3. Gideon Omokirio; 4. Eddie Ngaitini; 5. Richard Anisua; 6. George Kwanae; 7. Henry Koto; 8. Slyvester Rogy; 9. Joe Luwi; 10. James Naka; 11. Paul Huia

Tahiti 8 (T. Qaeze (4), Izal (2), Terevaura, J. Qaeze)

Cook Islands 1 (Mateariki)

Tahiti - 1. Mikael Roche; 2. Sebastien Labayen; 3. Jacques Qaeze; 4. Rainui Tirao; 5. Angelo Tchen; 6. Raimana Lee Fung Kuee; 7. Thierry Qaeze; 8. Abel Terevaura; 9. Teiva Izal; 11. Pierrot Malfati

Cook Islands - 1. Rouruoaroa Une; 2. John Pareanga; 3. Eugene Tattuava; 4. Grover Harmon; 5. Teariki Mateariki; 6. Paavo Mustonen; 7. Ruatoto Henry; 8. Eddie Brogan; 9. Tereapii Angene; 11. Anonga Tisam

Standings (after Match Day 1)

1. Tahiti

2. Vanuatu

3. Solomon Islands

4. Cook Islands

Leading Scorers (after Match Day 1)

Thierry Qaeze (Tahiti) 4

Henry Koto (Solomon Islands) 3

Teiva Izal (Tahiti) 2

Mousa Sam (Vanuatu) 2

Jean Emmanuel Maleb (Vanuatu) 2