The Vanuatu Football Federation (FFV) is about to finalize the national selection of the Vanuatu beach soccer squad. The Beach Soccer World Cup Qualification tournament is scheduled from July this year in Tahiti and the Vanuatu Football Federation is anxious to be well prepared.

The VFF beach soccer programme is aimed at organizing preparation tournaments on a regular basis, so as to attract more young people not only to openly expose their talent but also to showcase their talent to the football community in Vanuatu.

Although beach soccer is still new in Vanuatu there are potential players in the country capable of taking this form of football to a new level. VFF Beach Soccer caretaker coach Job Alwin says that the 2007 national squad has the potential to improve on their runner-up at the OFC Beach Soccer World Cup Qualification tournament last year in Tahiti but that a lot of hard work lay ahead of them.

To realize its dream, VFF has organized the first tournament of beach soccer for this year last Saturday, January 20th on the Beach of Suango at Mele village (7 km north of Port-Vila).

This tournament - the second of its kind in Port Vila - proceeded all day and combined 14 teams from which the players comes from Port Vila Football League and Port Vila Business House.

The competition opened at 8:00 am and matches followed one another in an elimination phase on two pitches constructed especially by the VFF for the occasion. In spite of time, matches for the quarter final were postponed for Saturday January 27.

This tournament has a double objective: first is to promote the beach soccer in the development of Vanuatu football as to allow supporters of traditional eleven versus eleven football to regard this particular discipline as an essential component of the world game and also to locate potential players for national team selection.

En Français

Vers la préparation d'une sélection du beach Soccer

La Fédération de Football du Vanuatu (FFV) est sur le point de finaliser les joueurs de la sélection nationale du beach soccer. En effet, elle met en place un programme visant à organiser, a intervalle régulier des tournois de beach soccer susceptible d'attirer plus des jeunes non seulement à exposer leur talent sportif mais aussi à admirer les valeurs et la beauté de ce sport encore méconnu par le grand public vanuatais. S'il est encore nouveau, on ne peut exclure qu'il y ait des joueurs potentiels dans le pays dont la sélection nationale a prouvé cette apparence lors des éliminatoires de la Coupe de Monde de beach soccer, l'année dernière a Tahiti en remportant la deuxième place devant les îles Salomon.

Et la FFV veut avant tout opter pour la première place lors des éliminatoires de cette année prévues au mois de juillet à Tahiti. Pour réaliser ce rêve, le premier tournoi de beach soccer a été organise samedi dernier 20 Janvier sur la Plage de Suango au village de Mele (7 Km au nord de Port-Vila). Ce tournoi, deuxième du genre, s'est déroulé toute la journée du samedi 20 Janvier et a réuni 14 équipes dont les joueurs sont issus de la League du Football de Port-Vila. La compétition s'est ouverte a 8h du matin ou les matches se sont succédés en phase éliminatoire sur deux terrains improvisés spécialement par la FFV pour cette occasion. Malgré le temps, les matchs pour le quart de final a été reporte pour samedi 27 Janvier.

Ce tournoi a un double objectif : d'une part est de promouvoir le beach soccer dans le développement du football vanuatais pour faire en sorte que les amoureux du ballon rond doivent considérer cette discipline comme un des composants de football du Vanuatu et d'autre part de repérer les joueurs potentiels capables de faire partie de la sélection nationale.

The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) General Secretariat has presented and submitted reports to the OFC Disciplinary Committee following events that took place at the New Zealand v Fiji U20 international fixture on Saturday 27th January, 2007.

OFC's position on the principle of fairplay are synchronized with those of FIFA, the world governing body, and a finding on the reports by OFC Disciplinary Committee is currently pending.

2007 Oceania Men's Youth (U-20) Championship - Match Day Six Summary

New Zealand ended Match Day Six at the OFC Youth Championship on top of the group after a 7-0 win over Vanuatu. Fulham midfielder Chris James was in good form helping himself to hat-trick as the Kiwis overpowered Vanuatu with their best performance at the tournament so far. Sydney FC striker Jeremy Brockie also turned in his best shift for the New Zealanders as Vanuatu struggled to hold on. Despite the heavy defeat Vanuatu goalkeeper Yannick Merka gave a good account of himself after pulling off a series of good saves and coping with the dangerous set-piece delivery of Chris James. Michael Cunningham, Jeremy Brockie, Cole Peverley and Phil Edginton were also on target.

Solomon Islands World Cup dream ended despite an 8-1 thrashing of bottom-placed Samoa. Tony Otini got the rout underway as Joses Nawo helped himself to a first half hat-trick while Judd Molea and Joachim Rande chimed in with two goals each. Solomon Islands defender Joachim Waroi scored an own goal for Samoa.

Fiji recovered from Saturday's bruising encounter with New Zealand by beating New Caledonia 2-1. Roy Krishna was on target yet again for Fiji with his eighth goal of the tournament. New Caledonia striker Richard Sele leveled the game midway through the second half with one of the outstanding goals of the tournament smashing a 25 yard left footed thunderbolt past Fiji's goalkeeper Vereti Dickson. Fiji's winner came courtesy of Rinal Prasad who volleyed home after New Caledonia goalkeeper Manu Wejieme missed a Roy Krishna corner.

MATCH SUMMARIES

Solomon Islands 8, Samoa 1

It took nearly half an hour for Solomon Islands to break down Samoa's dogged defence but after Tony Otini's strike opened the scoring Airton Andrioli's team never looked back racking up a further seven goals. Judd Molea quickly added a second and Joses Nawo - one of the unsung heroes of the Solomon Islands side - scored two goals in injury time to give his team a comfortable 4-0 lead at the break. Samoa improved after the break with several attempts on goal but it took an own goal by Solomon Island's defender Waroi to give Samoa something tangible. However, Samoa couldn't prevent Joses Nawo completing his hat-trick in the 66th minute. With the clock ticking down the Joachim Rande scored in the 86th and 87th minutes. Judd Molea scored his second and the Solomon Islands eighth and final goal from the penalty spot in the 89th minute.

SOL: Lekezoto; Keni, Houkarawa, Waroi; Bisili (Lohe 68), Gagame, Purasi (Miniti 46), Rande, Molea, Nawo (Daudau 45); Otini

Subs not used: Nalangu, Saemala, Deramoa, Ramoni, Aengari.

Yellow cards: None.

Red cards: None.

Goals: Otini 27, Molea 31, 89 pen, Nawo 45, 45, 66, Rande 86, 87.

SAM: Hafkoa; Setefano, Fonoti, Umutaua, Faalavaau; Puleaiga, Malo, Fenika (Mikaele 70), Lino Liaina 83), Amosa (Vaa 76); Tino.

Subs not used: Taitai, Tauai.

Yellow cards: Fenika.

Red cards: None.

Goals: Waroi (own goal) 49.

Referee: Job Minian Ponis (PNG)

Assistant Referee 1: Mahit Chilia (VAN)

Assistant Referee 2: Tevita Makasini (TON)

Fourth Official: Michael Hester (NZL)

NEW CALEDONIA 1, FIJI 2

Fiji got back to winning ways with a 2-1 victory against New Caledonia today. Fiji - missing several players to injury and skipper Kelepi Qaqa through suspension - turned in a tired performance but will be satisfied with the result nonetheless. Roy Krishna's blistering pace caused New Caledonia problems from the outset with New Caledonia defender Jeremie Dokunengo struggling to contain the tournament's top goalscorer. Krishna opened the scoring just before halftime when a speculative clearance took a deflection and looped into space behind the New Caledonia back four. Krishna sped through two challenges secured possession before slipping a tidy finish past Manu Wejieme.

However, New Caledonia contributed much to the match as a spectacle with Richard Sele stamping his authority on the game with a number of thrilling runs at the solid Fiji defence and two long range shots one of which struck the face of the crossbar the second ripping into the back of Fiji's net. Fiji struggled to get back into the game following Sele's strike until Wejieme was forced into a spectacular one handed save when Roy Krishna curled a well executed free kick over the New Caledonian wall. Wejieme went from hero to villain just moments later when the keeper flapped at Krishna's corner allowing Rinal Prasad to volley home the winner.

NCL: Wejieme; Dokunengo, Xenie, Lolohea, Forest, Waknumune, Bowen (Saiko 46), Caunes, Waheo (Sablan 67), Wahnyamalla, Sele.

Subs not used: Tevanou, Kakou, Luewadria, Nyikeine, Bolo, Tidjine.

Yellow cards: Lolohea.

Red cards: None.

Goals: Sele 68.

FIJ: Dickson (Mateinanaqara 75); Niulevu, Posiano, Samy, Waqa, Krishna, Senibuli (Dileqa 55), Underwood (Singh 26), Kautoga, Deama, Prasad.

Subs not used: Krishneel, Nakalavo, Tuilau, Dass.

Yellow cards: Posiano, Kautoga.

Red cards: None.

Goals: Krishna 37, Prasad 79.

Referee: Peter O'Leary (NZL)

Assistant Referee 1: Paul Dunham (NZL)

Assistant Referee 2: Collins Auvele (SAM)

Fourth Official: Michael Hester (NZL)

NEW ZEALAND 7, VANUATU 0

New Zealand's march toward the FIFA U20 World Cup continued after the Kiwis delivered their most convincing performance in the competition to date. Fulham midfielder Chris James was the hero delivering a classy hat-trick for coach Stu Jacobs as he and Sydney FC striker Jeremy Brockie dominated the match. Defender Phil Edginton gave New Zealand the perfect start after just two minutes when he nodded home a Chris James free kick from close range. James made it 2-0 with a perfectly executed free kick on the quarter hour mark and Jeremy Brockie struck a stunning long range effort from all of 25 metres out as Vanuatu were swept aside by a team that looks to be hitting form at the critical stage of the tournament. James added his second when he nodded home unmarked from an inch-perfect Brockie cross. Cole Peverley joined in the goal scoring action with a deadly long range effort. Vanuatu gave a better account of themselves in the second-half with New Zealand goalkeeper Jacob Spoonley having to make the several crucial saves from Brian Melar and Michel Kaltak. However, it was too little too late for Vanuatu as the Kiwis go into Match Day Seven sporting a one point advantage over nearest rivals Fiji.

NZL: Spoonley; Peters, Hogg, Pelter, Edginton; Henderson (Brown 32), James, Peverley, Keat (Cunningham 30); Brockie (Purcell 67), Jenkins.

Subs not used: Peters, Pelter, Roydhouse, Keane.

Yellow cards: None.

Red cards: None.

Goals: Edginton 2, James 15, 24, 51, Cunningham 62, Peverley 32, Brockie 19.

VAN: Merka; Obed (Kara 57), Sara, Kaltak, Boe, Nimanian, Wayane (Namariau 46), Melar (Maralau 79), Avock, Paul, Sakama.

Subs not used: Natou, Molbet, Tari, Graham, Malas.

Yellow cards: Natou, Kaltak.

Red cards: None.

Goals: None.

Referee: Chris Lengata (SOL)

Assistant Referee 1: Matthew Taro (SOL)

Assistant Referee 2: Hamilton Siau (SOL)

Fourth Official: Nelson Sogo (SOL)

2007 Oceania Men's Youth (U-20) Championship - Match Day Six results (January 29)

Solomon Islands 8 (Otini 27, Molea 31, 89 pen, Nawo 45, 45, 66, Rande 86, 87) Samoa 1 (Waroi own goal 49)

Halftime: 4-0

New Caledonia 1 (Sele 68) Fiji 2 (Krishna 37, Prasad 79)

Halftime: 0-1

New Zealand 7 (Edginton 2, James 15, 24, 51, Brockie 19, Cunningham 62, Peverley 32) Vanuatu 0

Halftime: 5-0

Standings:

Team P W D L F A DIFF PTS

New Zealand 5 4 1 0 20 4 +18 13

Fiji 5 4 0 1 16 4 +12 12

Solomon Islands 6 3 2 1 14 8 +6 11

New Caledonia 5 3 0 2 11 5 +6 9

Tahiti 5 1 1 3 7 9 -2 4

Vanuatu 5 0 2 3 5 16 -11 2

Samoa 5 0 0 5 3 30 -27 0

Golden Boot standings

8- Roy Krishna (FIJ)

5 - Chris James (NZL)

4 - Sam Jenkins (NZL), Dan Keat (NZL), Joachim Rande (SOL), Judd Molea (SOL)

3 - Richard Sele (NCL), Tony Otini (SOL), Jeremy Brockie (NZL), Joses Nawo (SOL)

2 - Jean Wahnyamalla (NCL), Ulrich Bowden (NCL), Alvin Singh (FIJ), Eran Underwood (FIJ), Ariihau Tereiitau (TAH), Michael Cunningham (NZL)

1 - Meneusi Senibuli (FIJ), Krishna Sami (FIJ), Esava Naqeleca (FIJ), Jason Sablan (NCL), Cesar Lolohea (NCL), Teiki Wan Phook (TAH), Jay Warren (TAH), Leon Chan (TAH), Ionataana Tino (SAM), Matahi Hauata (TAH), Elten Boe (VAN), Francois Sakama (VAN), Silao Malo (SAM), Simon Molbet (VAN) Brian Melar (VAN), Jean Christophe Xenie (NCL), Roihau Degage (TAH), Cole Peverley (NZL), Rinal Prasad (FIJ), Phil Edginton (NZL)

2007 OCEANIA U-20 MEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP - TRUSTS STADIUM, WAITAKERE

JANUARY 19-31

MATCH DAY 1

FRIDAY - JAN 19

12 noon 0 SAMOA V FIJI 7

2.30pm 1 TAHITI V NEW CALEDONIA 2

5.00pm 1 SOLOMON ISLANDS V NEW ZEALAND 1

VANUATU BYE

SATURDAY - JAN 20 REST DAY

MATCH DAY 2

SUNDAY 21st JAN

12 noon 3 TAHITI V SAMOA 1

2.30pm 1 SOLOMON ISLANDS V NEW CALEDONIA 0

5.00pm 2 FIJI V VANUATU 0

NEW ZEALAND BYE

MONDAY - JAN 22 REST DAY

MATCH DAY 3

TUESDAY - JAN 23

12 noon 2 TAHITI V VANUATU 2

2.30pm 7 NEW ZEALAND V SAMOA 1

5.00pm 0 SOLOMON ISLANDS V FIJI 3

NEW CALEDONIA BYE

WEDNESDAY - JAN 24 REST DAY

MATCH DAY 4

THURSDAY - JAN 25

12 noon 5 NEW CALEDONIA V SAMOA 0

2.30pm 2 VANUATU V SOLOMON ISLANDS 2

5.00pm 0 TAHITI V NEW ZEALAND 2

FIJI BYE

FRIDAY - JAN 26 REST DAY

MATCH DAY 5

SATURDAY - JAN 27

12 noon 1 VANUATU V NEW CALEDONIA 3

2.30pm 1 TAHITI V SOLOMON ISLANDS 2

5.00pm 3 NEW ZEALAND V FIJI 2

SAMOA BYE

SUNDAY - JAN 28 REST DAY

MATCH DAY 6

MONDAY - JAN 29

12 noon 8 SOLOMON ISLANDS V SAMOA 1

2.30pm 1 NEW CALEDONIA V FIJI 2

5.00pm VANUATU V NEW ZEALAND

TAHITI BYE

TUESDAY - JAN 30 REST DAY

MATCH DAY 7

WEDNESDAY - JAN 31

12 noon VANUATU V SAMOA

2.30pm TAHITI V FIJI

2.30pm NEW ZEALAND V NEW CALEDONIA

SOLOMON ISLANDS BYE

The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) O-League Group B fixtures scheduled for Monday 29th January, 2007, between Ba (Fiji) and Marist FC (Solomon Islands) and Friday 2nd January, 2007, between AS Temanava (Tahiti) and Marist FC (Solomon Islands) have been deferred due to a technical fault with a Solomon Airlines aircraft.

The Marist FC squad has therefore been unable to leave the Solomon Islands and has now returned to its training camp at the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Academy.

Marist FC Team Manager Paul Mwaritara said the club was helpless to do anything about the situation and that both matches in Fiji and Tahiti will have to be re-scheduled.

OFC Head of Competitions Seamus Marten says both matches will be rescheduled for February.

New Zealand took a giant step toward qualification for the FIFA U20 Men's World Cup Canada 2007 today after defeating Fiji 3-2 in an incident-packed match at Trusts Stadium. Referee Nelson Sogo of the Solomon Islands struggled to maintain any semblance of order as both teams lost control throughout a volatile match. Two headed goals from New Zealand captain Dan Keat and a Chris James penalty were enough to cancel out Roy Krishna's double for Fiji.

New Caledonia's prospects were kept alive thanks to goals from substitutes Jean Wahnyamalla and Richard Sele who helped himself to a double during their 3-1 win over Vanuatu. Vanuatu's Jekyll and Hyde performances continued as they surrendered a 1-0 halftime lead. Francois Sakama had earlier given Vanuatu the lead with a goal in the 28th minute.

In the earlier matches Solomon Islands kept their slim qualification hopes alive with a 2-1 win over Tahiti thanks to goals from Joachim Rande and Tony Otini. Roihau Degage was on target for Tahiti.

MATCH SUMMARIES

VANUATU 1, NEW CALEDONIA 3

New Caledonia's World Cup dream is still alive following an emphatic come from behind 3-1 win over Vanuatu. The New Caledonian trio of Jean Wahnyamalla, Richard Sele and Ulrich Bowen were the catalyst for a remarkable victory that keeps pressure on Fiji and New Zealand at the top of the table.

New Caledonia's first half performance gave no indication they would be celebrating by the end of the match. Vanuatu's domination of the first half was almost total and should have yielded more than one goal.

The first half was all one way traffic as Vanuatu skipper Joseph Obed missed an open goal after just five minutes. Brian Melar and Tony Wayane were proving a constant threat to New Caledonia's central defensive partnership of Rodrigue Luewadria and Jean Xavier Waknumune both of whom were placed under intense pressure.

Chances for Vanuatu came thick and fast when wide-midfielder Joseph Nimanian nearly scored when he struck the base of New Caledonia's upright with a left foot effort that left Manu Wejieme stranded.

Vanuatu finally broke the deadlock when a swerving corner was headed against New Caledonia's crossbar and upright by Joseph Nimanian. The ball ricocheted to the edge of the penalty area where Francois Sakama hit a deadly strike that fizzed through a crowded goal box and into the back of the net.

New Caledonia's only meaningful attempt on goal during the first half came when Rodrigue Luewadria's acrobatic volley was tipped away one handed by Altred Malas.

With their World Cup qualification hopes dangling by a thread, New Caledonia began the second-half with renewed vigour as they peppered Vanuatu's goal in search of an equaliser. Substitute Richard Sele happily provided the much sought after leveler when he evaded two challenges cut inside the penalty area before executing a curling right foot shot beyond Malas.

The goal had a profound effect upon New Caledonia and with confidence high they began to create goal-scoring opportunities almost at will. Despite this period of dominance Jean Wahnyamalla still managed to miss a gilt-edged chance after latching onto a Sele cross and shinning a meek effort into Altred Malas arms when it looked easier to score. Wahnyamalla made up for the mistake moments later with a stunning strike on an acute angle that swerved past Malas in the 72nd minute.

Richard Sele made the game safe for New Caledonia when he was left totally unmarked in the Vanuatu six yard box as he side-footed a simple finish beyond a helpless Malas. Vanuatu coach Andrew Hobbs will be disappointed with the performance and result after Vanuatu delivered such a commanding first half display.

NCL: Wejieme; Caunes, Luewadria, Waknumune, Dokunengo; Saiko (Sele 55), Xenie, Waheo, Sablan (Bowen 62); Lolohea, Tikoure (Wahnyamalla 10).

Subs not used: Tidjine, Bolo, Nyikeine, Kakou, Forest, Tevanou.

Yellow cards: None.

Red cards: None.

Goals: Sele 67, 84, Wahnyamalla 71.

VAN: Malas; Avock, Obed, Sara, Paul; Molbet, Sakama, Graham, Nimanian (Maralau); Melar (D.Natou), Wayane (Namariau).

Subs not used: Merka, Boe, Tari, N.Natou.

Yellow cards: None.

Red cards: None.

Goals: Sakama 28.

Referee: Job Minan Ponis (PNG)

Assistant Referee 1: Collins Auvele (SAM)

Assistant Referee 2: Hamilton Siau (SOL)

Fourth Official: Chris Lengata (SOL)

TAHITI 1, SOLOMON ISLANDS 2

Solomon Islands got back to winning ways with a 2-1 win against Tahiti. The victory ensures the Solomon Islands stay within touching distance of the front runners. Solomon Islands coach Airton Andrioli put out an attacking formation with Tony Otini, Joses Nawo and Judd Molea forming the basis of their attacks with midfield support from Joachim Rande and Lenson Bisili. The tactic didn't bear fruit immediately as Tahiti's resolute defending and compact shape meant chances were few and far between. Tahitian striker Wallen Teiri turned in an inspired performance alongside Roihau Degage. Teiri was at the heart of all Tahiti's meaningful attacks and had it not been for some inspired defending by Arnold Keni and Welshman Houkarawa they may well have led at the break.

Solomon Islands extreme pace meant they grabbed the first goal when Rande latched onto a superb through ball from Judd Molea before finishing clinically from a difficult angle. Tahiti keeper Alan Uparu - who had one of his best games at the tournament to date - had little chance. Tony Otini made the game safe for Solomon Islands with a goal in the 66th minute. Roihau Degage pulled one back for Tahiti when he eluded the offside trap before driving home a good finish from ten yards past Leon Lekezoto in the 78th minute setting up a nervous finish for the Solomon Islands.

TAH: Uparu; Bougues, Teraia, Tereiitau, Taero; Takaio (Faehau 60), Warren (Aitamai 66), Teriitaumihau, Tehau; Degage, Teiri (Chan 60).

Subs not used: Vaite, Ferrand.

Yellow cards: Teriitaumihau, Aitamai.

Red cards: none.

Goals: Degage 78.

SOL: Lekezoto; Waroi, Keni, Houkarawa, Purasi; Gagame, Bisili (Daudau 82), Molea, Nawo (Miniti 90), Rande; Otini (Nalangu 76).

Subs not used: Ramoni, Saemala, Lohe, Deramoa.

Yellow cards: Nalangu.

Red cards: None.

Goals: Rande 55, Otini 66.

Referee: Michael Hester (NZL)

Assistant Referee 1: Brent Best (NZL)

Assistant Referee 2: Tevita Makasini (TON)

Fourth Official: Peter O'Leary (NZL)

NEW ZEALAND 3, FIJI 2

New Zealand took a giant step toward qualification for the FIFA U20 Men's World Cup Canada 2007 today after defeating Fiji 3-2 in an incident-packed match at Trusts Stadium.

Red cards, injuries, penalties, an angry crowd and a police escort for the New Zealand team and embattled referee Nelson Sogo of the Solomon Islands were the order of the day as the top of the table clash descended into controversy on Match Day Five.

Referee Nelson Sogo struggled to maintain any semblance of order as both teams lost control throughout a volatile match. Two headed goals from New Zealand captain Dan Keat and a Chris James penalty were enough to cancel out Roy Krishna's double for Fiji. But the match will probably be remembered for the controversy surrounding several off the ball clashes that cast a shadow over the day's events.

NZL: Spoonley; Schaeffers, Hogg, Boxall, Edginton; Henderson, James, Peverley (Cunningham 89), Keat; Brockie, Jenkins (Vincent 39).

Subs not used: Peters, Pelter, Roydhouse, Cunningham, Brown, Purcell, Keane.

Yellow cards: Boxall, Cunningham.

Red cards: None.

Goals: Brockie 41, Keat 56, 76.

FIJ: Mateinanagara; Sami; Pasiano (Dileqa 39), Nagalika, Kautoga, Deama; Krishneel (Kakal 62), Qaqa, Niulevu; Krishna, Singh (Underwood 65).

Subs not used: Waqa, Dass, Nakalavo, Dickson, Tuilau, Prasad, Senibula.

Yellow cards: Qaqa.

Red cards: Naqeleca.

Goals: Krishna 7, 68.

2007 Oceania Men's Youth (U-20) Championship - Match Day Four results (January 25)

Vanuatu 1 (Francois Sakama 28) New Caledonia 3 (Jean Wahnyamalla 71, Richard Sele 67, 84).

Halftime: 1-0.

Tahiti 1 (Degage 78) Solomon Islands 2 (Rande 55, Otini 66)

Halftime: 0-0.

New Zealand 3 (Brockie 41, Keat 56, 76) Fiji 2 (Krishna 7, 68)

Halftime: 1-1

Standings:

Team P W D L F A DIFF PTS

New Zealand 4 3 1 0 13 2 +11 10

Fiji 4 3 0 1 14 3 +11 9

New Caledonia 4 3 0 1 10 5 +5 9

Solomon Is 5 2 2 1 6 7 -1 8

Tahiti 5 1 1 3 7 9 -2 4

Vanuatu 4 0 2 2 5 9 -4 2

Samoa 4 0 0 4 2 22 -20 0

Golden Boot standings

7 - Roy Krishna (FIJ)

4 - Sam Jenkins (NZL), Dan Keat (NZL)

2 - Jean Wahnyamalla (NCL), Richard Sele (NCL), Chris James (NZL), Dan Keat (NZL), Ulrich Bowden (NCL), Alvin Singh (FIJ), Eran Underwood (FIJ), Judd Molea (SOL), Ariihau Tereiitau (TAH), Joachim Rande (SOL), Tony Otini (SOL), Jeremy Brockie (NZL)

1 - Meneusi Senibuli (FIJ), Krishna Sami (FIJ), Esava Naqeleca (FIJ), Jason Sablan (NCL), Cesar Lolohea (NCL), Teiki Wan Phook (TAH), Jay Warren (TAH), Leon Chan (TAH), Ionataana Tino (SAM), Matahi Hauata (TAH), Elten Boe (VAN), Francois Sakama (VAN), Michael Cunningham (NZL), Silao Malo (SAM), Simon Molbet (VAN) Brian Melar (VAN), Jean Christophe Xenie (NCL), Roihau Degage (TAH).

2007 OCEANIA U-20 MEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP - TRUSTS STADIUM, WAITAKERE

JANUARY 19-31

MATCH DAY 1

FRIDAY - JAN 19

12 noon 0 SAMOA V FIJI 7

2.30pm 1 TAHITI V NEW CALEDONIA 2

5.00pm 1 SOLOMON ISLANDS V NEW ZEALAND 1

VANUATU BYE

SATURDAY - JAN 20 REST DAY

MATCH DAY 2

SUNDAY 21st JAN

12 noon 3 TAHITI V SAMOA 1

2.30pm 1 SOLOMON ISLANDS V NEW CALEDONIA 0

5.00pm 2 FIJI V VANUATU 0

NEW ZEALAND BYE

MONDAY - JAN 22 REST DAY

MATCH DAY 3

TUESDAY - JAN 23

12 noon 2 TAHITI V VANUATU 2

2.30pm 7 NEW ZEALAND V SAMOA 1

5.00pm 0 SOLOMON ISLANDS V FIJI 3

NEW CALEDONIA BYE

WEDNESDAY - JAN 24 REST DAY

MATCH DAY 4

THURSDAY - JAN 25

12 noon 5 NEW CALEDONIA V SAMOA 0

2.30pm 2 VANUATU V SOLOMON ISLANDS 2

5.00pm 0 TAHITI V NEW ZEALAND 2

FIJI BYE

FRIDAY - JAN 26 REST DAY

MATCH DAY 5

SATURDAY - JAN 27

12 noon 1 VANUATU V NEW CALEDONIA 3

2.30pm 1 TAHITI V SOLOMON ISLANDS 2

5.00pm 3 NEW ZEALAND V FIJI 2

SAMOA BYE

SUNDAY - JAN 28 REST DAY

MATCH DAY 6

MONDAY - JAN 29

12 noon SOLOMON ISLANDS V SAMOA

2.30pm NEW CALEDONIA V FIJI

5.00pm VANUATU V NEW ZEALAND

TAHITI BYE

TUESDAY - JAN 30 REST DAY

MATCH DAY 7

WEDNESDAY - JAN 31

12 noon TAHITI V FIJI

2.30pm VANUATU V SAMOA

5.00pm NEW ZEALAND V NEW CALEDONIA

SOLOMON ISLANDS BYE

The Fiji Football Association in conjunction with Radio Tarana NZ and Communications Fiji Ltd will provide live coverage of Fiji U20's critical tournament showdown against New Zealand U20 at Trusts Stadium, Waitakere tommorrow.

Radio Tarana football commentator former Fiji age-group internationalist DJ Vikash will be joined by Radio SARGAM football commentator Reymond Stoddart in arguably the biggest match in Fijian football history.

Fiji lead the OFC Youth Championship with a 100% record having scored 12 goals without reply. Striker Roy Krishna leads the golden boot standings with five goals. However, New Zealand with home advantage and the in form Sam Jenkins will be a formidable opponent as both nations seek to qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Canada later this year.

Listeners will be able to tune into the broadcast at 1386AM in New Zealand or via the Radio Tarana website at:

http://www.tarana.co.nz/

The head of Oceania Womens Football, Mrs. Connie Selby, is in Papua New Guinea conducting a Junior Womens Coaching Certificate Course at the PNGFA academy in Lae.

The course started on 23rd and will end on the 27th January 2007. The weeklong certificate course is conduct to develop the PNG women's skills and talents in football and to enhance the involvement of women in football to a better standard in the country. This is in line with visions of PNGFA under the presidency of Mr. David Chung.

Mrs. Selby said she is very happy with the participating women because they are very responsive and keen to learn. They are given lectures in the classroom and practical on the field, she said.

She said she could see more skills and talents in the PNG women. If they are given more training, then women's football in PNG will receive a big boost.

After this course the women will go back to their local associations and help coach the U12 and U10 teams.

Mr. Max Foster and Mrs. Sussie Mileng are assisting Mrs. Selby during practical sessions on the training field.

Mrs. Selby said Mrs. Sussie Mileng will possibly be attending an instructor's course in New Zealand at the OFC academy this year.

After completion of this OFC Junior Certificate Course, the women will go into the OFC Youth Certificate.

New Caledonia have demolished Samoa 5-0 at Trusts Stadium yesterday with a disciplined performance that will have Fiji and New Zealand looking over their shoulders as the race to qualify for the FIFA U20 Men's World Cup - Canada 2007 heads towards its climax. New Caledonia were simply too strong, too fast and too clinical in front of goal as the hapless Samoans did their best to hold out against the pace and skill of Ulrich Bowen and Jean Wahnyamalla.

Samoa has had little to cheer about at this tournament but two individuals can be proud of their gutsy displays. Damian Fonoti and Ionatana Tino continue to impress against the odds with the versatile Fonoti, in particular, performing with distinction. The diminutive Tino has also played well given the paucity of opportunities he has had to live off.

But the truth is that Samoa has been largely outclassed at this tournament. Jean Wahnyamalla began the rout after just 3 minutes as New Caledonia exploited Samoa's lack of pace out wide. New Caledonia skipper Jean Christophe Xenie put his team further in front in the 17th minute and the game was put beyond Samoa with Ulrich Bowen helping himself to a brace. Samoa conceded a frustrating own goal when goalkeeper Motu Hafoka parried a long range shot from Wahnyamalla before conspiring with one of his own defenders to bundle the ball over the line.

Trailing 5-0, Samoa began to open the game up further pushing Fonoti into the frontline and the bustling utility man asked serious questions of Xenie and his resolute defence. The spirited Samoa spurned several decent chances to register a goal summing up their tournament to date.

In match two, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu served up a thrilling encounter. Vanuatu raced into an early two goal lead thanks to goals from Simon Molbet and Brian Melar within the first quarter of an hour. Joseph Namariau ran the Solomon Islands midfield duo of Molis Gagame and Gibson Hosea Purasi ragged. Solomon Islands struggled to retain possession for any length of time with Gagame and Purasi continually harassed by the Vanuatu midfield into giving up possession. The surrendered possession allowed Molbet and Melar to run at Arnold Keni and Welshman Houkarawa and take them out of their safety zone in the centre of defence to the flanks creating gaps and holes for others to exploit.

But Solomon Islands slowly got back into the game with Gagame hooking a ball through for the impressive Tony Otini who smashed a brilliant swerving volley beyond goalkeeper Altred Malas just before halftime. It was a glorious strike and offered the Solomon Islands the perfect platform for a second-half recovery.

This was further emphasised with the introduction of Lenson Bisili. Bisili gave Solomon Islands additional craft, creativity and urgency as he buzzed about the midfield slipping measured passes and through balls for Joachim Rande and Joses Nawo to exploit. Rande - virtually anonymous in the first half - became a different player with Bisili running the game. Purasi, too, transformed his first half efforts with an inspiring performance. It was little wonder, then, that Rande scored the equaliser and, arguably, the goal of the tournament when he struck an acrobatic left-foot volley that bent and fizzed past a full-stretched Altred Malas and into the roof of the net some 20 yards out on an acute angle.

Vanuatu was reeling after the strike and content to launch the ball anywhere as the Solomon Islands tried to grab a decisive third. With just seconds left Solomon Islands substitute John Bentley Nalangu broke into the Vanuatu goal box and latched onto a Rande cross but with just Malas to beat scuffed his shot into the keeper with referee Peter O'Leary blowing for full time just moments later.

The draw leaves both nations World Cup hopes hanging by a thread but with still highly significant roles to play in the remaining fixtures.

New Zealand has closed the gap on Fiji to just two points following a lacklustre 2-0 win over a compact Tahiti side last night. New Zealand began the match with an urgency lacking in their previous matches with Kayne Vincent and Chris James sparking up most of New Zealand's attacking play.

However, Tahiti's 4-5-1 formation stood resolute for the first half-hour until James whipped in a wicked cross for New Zealand skipper Dan Keat to fire a powerful header past Alan Uparu from almost point blank range. The goal was a significant blow to Tahiti's game plan though Lorenzo Tehau worked tirelessly in midfield his team were rarely able to penetrate past gangly lone striker Roihau Degage.

Tahiti provided the best move of the match just before halftime when Teiki Wan Phook, Roihau Degage, Lorenzo Tehau and Matahi Hauata strung together a sweeping passing movement that had New Zealand scrambling. New Zealand's defence led by Jacob Spoonley, Michael Boxall and Phil Edginton repelled the move and were instantly on the attack through Craig Henderson.

Henderson - one of the few New Zealand players to impress on a consistent basis at this tournament - went on a mazy run before unleashing a powerful right foot shot that cannoned off the inside left upright before ricocheting off the right hand upright and to safety.

Tahiti seemed happy to trail 1-0 at the break and for the first 20 minutes of the second-half appeared to lack a sense of adventure as pressure built on New Zealand to get a second goal and make the game safe. New Zealand took advantage of this cagey approach in the 69th minute when Chris James - at the centre of New Zealand's attacking impetus - cracked a swerving right foot volley that dipped with enough power to blast past the soft hands of Alan Uparu and into the back of the Tahitian net.

The 2-0 result lifted New Zealand into second place on the table with seven points. Fiji leads the table with a 100% record. New Caledonia's 5-0 demolition of Samoa keeps them in third place with six points while the Solomon Islands - disappointing in their capitulation against Fiji - remain in the hunt after playing out a dramatic 2-2 draw with Vanuatu.

New Zealand have their sights set on a make or break clash with Fiji on Match Day 5 after accounting for Tahiti 2-0 at the Trusts Stadium, Henderson today.

Goals from skipper Dan Keat and Fulham's Chris James were enough to keep the Junior All Whites in the hunt for a place at the FIFA Youth World Cup - Canada 2007.

Elsewhere, New Caledonia kept their chances alive with a solid 5-0 victory over Samoa. While the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu fought out an entertaining 2-2 draw.

It was a familiar NZFC script at Trusts Stadium last night as Auckland City broke Waitakere United hearts yet again with their latest Houdini act - but this time it was in the OFC O-League.

United skipper Danny Hay gave the West Aucklanders the perfect lift when he powered a header past Ross Nicholson after just 25 minutes. Waitakere United looked set to roll their crosstown rivals but spurned several decent chances, missed chances that would come back to haunt them later.

Waitakere United fans must've believed it would finally be their day when Solomon Islands striker Commins Menapi powered home a great finish from an Allan Pearce cross just five minutes after the restart. The goal seemed to confirm the growing belief around Trusts Stadium that United - unable to conquer City in the NZFC - would reverse that trend in the O-League.

Then it happened. For some inexplicable reason Waitakere United reverted to the same bad habit of sitting back and inviting Auckland City to throw the kitchen sink at them. As if the lesson hadn't been painful enough in last Christmas's extraordinary match at Kiwitea Street when Waitakere surrendered a seemingly invincible 3-0 lead to lose 4-3. The only saving grace this time was Waitakere at least took a share of the spoils.

In fairness to Auckland City their fightback was sparked by a quite special goal from Paul Urlovic. The All White striker - who has played a bit-part role with Grant Young and Keryn Jordan the preferred striking partnership of choice - found space in the penalty area, then turned the defence inside out, before clipping a brilliant curling shot into the top right hand corner of Michael Utting's net.

It was the catalyst for a City revival and the double substitution that allowed Paul Seaman and Keryn Jordan to enter the fray was timely. Jordan had a chance to grab the equaliser moments later when he jinked through the Waitakere box held onto ther ball slightly too long before scuffing a low shot into Utting's grateful grasp.

With only a minute left to play the game was up for Waitakere when a Neil Sykes cross was driven to the far post for Paul Urlovic to cushion into the path of Grant Young. The 35 year old South African striker doesn't miss from that range and under those circumstances and he made no mistake driving the ball past a despairing Utting.

Auckland City coach Paul Marshall was understanably ecstatic with the result.

"We had a good defensive shape despite how we conceded the goals - one took a deflection. But we had to grind the result out today and we showed we had plenty of character. Paul Urlovic's goal was special. In this competition to get a draw here is more like a win so we're very happy."

Waitakere United coach Steve Cain was annoyed with a "15 minute loss of concentration" that cost Waitakere the game but denied the players lacked self-belief.

"We had enough decent chances in the first half to win this game and we didn't take them and it's come back to haunt us. Auckland City made some changes in the second-half and we didn't respond to them. We have to learn to deal with when they play the ball long."

The next match in the OFC O-League is in Group B when Ba take on Marist FC of the Solomon Islands on 29th January, 2007, in Fiji.

The next match in Group A will take place on February 23rd at Trusts Stadium when Waitakere United host New Caledonia champions AS Mont Dore.

Waitakere United: Michael Utting, Rupesh Puna, George Suri, Danny Hay, Hoani Edwards, Allan Pearce (Craig Wylie 80), Commins Menapi, Jeff Campbell, Jakub Sinkora, Daniel Koprivcic (Michael Gwyther 85), Prince Quansah.

Substitutes: Simon Eaddy, Graham Pearce, Pedro Santos, Sam Jasper, Craig Wylie, Sam Mathews, Michael Gwyther.

Auckland City: Ross Nicholson, Ben Sigmund, Jonathan Perry, Liam Mulrooney, James Pritchett (Paul Seaman 52), Jonathan Smith (Keryn Jordan 52), Paul Urlovic, Grant Young, Neil Sykes, Chad Coombes (Luiz del Monte 86), Greg Uhlman.

Substitutes: Paul Seaman, Richard Gillespie, Cole Tinkler, Christoph Pospich, Luiz del Monte, Paul Vodanovich, Keryn Jordan.

Waitakere United 2 (Hay 25, Menapi 48)

Auckland City 2 (Urlovic 73, Young 89)