Goalkeepers at the FIFA Women's World Cup will take to their beds tonight fearing dreams (or rather nightmares) featuring opposing players unleashing power drives past them from long range. On Day Three at China 2007 there were some explosive examples of accurate shooting and it helped the host nation to launch their campaign with a spectacular 3-2 victory over Denmark in Wuhan.

Elsewhere Brazil employed similar speculation against New Zealand and received a handsome reward in the shape of five goals without reply, while a small slice of history was made as Australia won their first game in the competition at the tenth attempt. They defeated Ghana while former winners Norway edged out the 2003 semi-finalists Canada.

Story courtesy FIFA.com

http://www.fifa.com/womenworldcup/news/newsid=594278.html#piledrivers+earn+precious+points

NZF/September 12, 2007

WUHAN, CHINA – Brazil produced a masterclass in long-range finishing to beat New Zealand 5-0 in their group D opener at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Wuhan, China on Wednesday night.

All but the last of Brazil's goals were scored from outside the penalty area with classy finishes, including a stunning 35-yard shot from holding midfielder Renata four minutes from time. 

Three goals in the last 20 minutes gave the score-line some padding as kiwi legs tired from a second half spent increasingly in their own territory and under immense pressure, but with just one goal in it at half time, the chance for the senior women to emulate their U-20 counterparts and get a result against the Selecao was within reach.

Starting five players from that 2006 U-20 side – with another two on the bench – New Zealand frustrated Brazil throughout the first half, content to defend strongly, upset the Brazilians rhythm, force them into mistakes, and hit them on the counter attack.

Story courtesy of NZF Media...

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OFC Media would like to inform all interested parties that live text updates of the FIFA Women's World Cup - China 2007 are available by selecting the link to your preferred fixture at http://www.fifa.com/womenworldcup/matches/calendar.html

Streaming footage of match highlights is also available shortly after each fixture, at http://www.fifa.com/womenworldcup/video/videolist.html

 

 FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP - CHINA 2007

Group D  Match	Date   Time	Venue
7	12/09 17:00	WUHAN		New Zealand		Brazil
15	15/09 17:00	WUHAN		Denmark		New Zealand
23	19/09 20:00	TIANJIN		China PR		New Zealand

*times displayed are local kick-off (GMT+8)

For further information:

www.fifa.com

 

 

In the provincial capital they call the 'City of Abundance', USA and Korea DPR staged a veritable feast of attacking football and gripping excitement, and by sharing four goals they underlined that the FIFA Women's World Cup will showcase the more even nature of the global game. Additional emphasis arrived later in the shape of two more drawn affairs, as England and Japan and then Nigeria and Sweden all put a point on the board.

If the Opening Match left the undeniable impression that Germany are once again the team to beat at China 2007, then day two suggested there will be a host of teams challenging for their crown. Prominent among them look sure to be Korea DPR, who gave USA a mighty scare in Chengdu.

Story courtesy FIFA.com

http://www.fifa.com/womenworldcup/news/newsid=592818.html#three+draws+thrilling+drama

 

AUCKLAND - New Zealand’s World Cup campaign has been cleared for take-off with the announcement of a new sponsor, a returning captain and confirmation of the All Whites’ Oceania qualifying opponents.

Thai Airways International will ensure New Zealand’s ‘Road to South Africa’ and the 2010 FIFA World Cup is travelled in style after being unveiled as the All Whites’ official sponsor on Monday.

The award-winning airline has signed a three-year deal with New Zealand Football for naming rights to the All Whites, Olympic (U-23 men), Young All Whites (U-20) and Youth All Whites (U-17).

Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Nelsen was also reinstalled as captain of the Thai Airways All Whites at Monday’s media conference following Danny Hay’s recent international retirement.

Story courtesy NZF Media...

http://www.nzsoccer.com/plugins/newsfeed.cgi?rm=content&plugin_data_id=20657

 

NZF/ WUHAN, CHINA – The Football Ferns are under no illusions about how difficult their first World Cup game against Brazil will be on Wednesday night but determined to take their more fancied opponents to the wire.

Wuhan’s 52,000-seater stadium is expected to be near capacity for the match – part of a Group D double header also featuring Denmark and China – and the Football Ferns will be hoping to have many of the locals in their camp when they kick-off at 9pm New Zealand time (Live Sky Sport 3).

World champions Germany showed just how large the gap can be between the very best and the rest by demolishing Argentina 11-0 in the tournament’s opening match and it’s something of which Football Ferns head coach is all too aware.

“Teams like Germany, the USA and Brazil are absolute powerhouses of the game, and that result just shows that what New Zealand is up against when we play on the world stage,” said Herdman.

Story courtesy NZF Media...

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Papua New Guinea had to battle hard to claim the South Pacific Games women's football gold medal after coming back from 1-0 down to win 3-1 in extra time after a nail-biting finale. Penateti Feke had earlier given Tonga a 1-0 lead after just 21 minutes sprinting clear of the Papua New Guinea defence and slotting a great finish past a bewildered and exposed Linda Bunanga.

Papua New Guinea were stunned but soon burst into action creating a raft of chances that had Tonga's defence working overtime to hold onto their precious lead. In Tonga's previous seven internationals they had only conceded one goal - an own goal against Papua New Guinea in Lae at the OFC/FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers - and this match had all the hallmarks of another tight game.

However, Tonga's fantastic defensive record finally fell when Daisy Winas pierced Mele Likiliki's goal on 69 minutes to bring the crowd to its feet. Tonga laboured to stay in the match; if their defensive record has been miserly, their inability to score goals has been equally economical having only scored a total of five goals in eight matches.

The impression was, after Papua New Guinea's equaliser, that Tonga's best chance of winning the final was to hang on for penalties. Any foray into Papua New Guinea's half of the pitch was usually crafted out of a desperate long ball forward into the path of Feke but with Francis Moiyap instructing his team to drop off deeper, Feke's opportunities to get in behind the back four became fewer and fewer.

When Papua New Guinea's Helen Baki got her marching orders for a second bookable offence, Tonga were seemingly afforded a slight advantage but they were never able to come to terms with their numerical advantage losing an opportunity to turn the pressure up on a Papua New Guinea team throwing everything forward in attack.

The game was up when Ara Midi scored Papua New Guinea's second goal in 108 minutes after Tonga's legs and minds began to weary and the nippy playmaker rifled home a powerful shot that left Likiliki with no chance. Tonga's brave resistance was coming to a close and this was confirmed when Lydia Banabas - Papua New Guinea's star player at these Games - added a wonderful third following a defensive error after 119 minutes.

The final whistle signalled scenes of triumph for Papua New Guinea and their team whilst Tonga's gallant heroes lay spent on the pitch heartbroken yet proud of a tournament in which they accounted for Fiji, host nation Samoa, and an impressive New Caledonia. But the hour belonged to Papua New Guinea who underlined their credentials as OFC's "second power" behind New Zealand. Papua New Guinea will face New Zealand in a two-match play-off with the winner qualifying for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

 

LIVE UPDATES:

3' - the rain from during the day has cleared, allowing this match to be a little more free-flowing

4' - both teams have had a fair share of the action so far

5' - there is a stoppage in play to attend to Cathy Agunam, who has injured her knee

9' - Likiliki is in the action early, calming matters for her team on their big occasion

11' - Tonga force a corner on the counter attack through Penateti Feke, but Papua New Guinea clear well

16' - Julie Alau has a sight on goal for Papua New Guinea, but Sala Veamatahau covers well to force a throw

21' - GOAL!

#12. Penateti FEKE finds space down the left, to run through on goal unchallenged, slide her finish into the far corner and put Tonga ahead

24' - Kathrina Salaiau hits a low bending free kick into Likiliki's arms diving forward, but the ball is loosed from her grasp by Margaret Aka, only for the Tongan defence to clear the loose ball

30' - Likiliki is out well again to collect another Salaiau free kick

34' - a bouncing ball meanders into the Tongan area, which Likiliki does well to hold under physical pressure from Agunam

35' - Tracey Kig has a free kick headed for the top left, only for Likiliki to get the slightest of touches for the ball to ricochet wide off the corner

37' - Likiliki claims a high ball spectacularly above her head, this time under pressure from Aka

39' - Papua New Guinea are on the break through Aka, but the Tongan defence tracks well to get numbers behind the ball 

44' - Kig is down injured on half way, and leaves the field for treatment

-- 1 minute added time --

 

HALF TIME: PNG 0 TON 1 

 

46' - Francis Moiyap rings the changes, with #12. Lydia BANABAS coming on for #6. Cathy AGUNAM, and #16. Ara MIDI replacing #14. Tracey KIG

47' - Deslyn Siniu is down on half way, and leaves the field for treatment

48' - Veamatahau slides well to clear up a loose ball at the back for Tonga, but Ara Midi shoots first time from a loose touch for Likiliki to save well moving forwards

51' - Winas picks Midi out well in the penalty box, but she fails her footing and loses the opportunity

54' - Tonga counter attack from a Papua New Guinea corner, for Lanta to intelligently beign down Manu

54' - #15. Miriam LANTA picks up a yellow card for her troubles

56' - Papua New Guinea start to shoot from distance, looking for an equaliser

59' - #4. Helen BAKI receives a yellow card for bringing down Feke on the break 

63' - #8. Margaret AKA makes way for #2. Samantha PENINSA

64' - Tonga bring on #15. Salote LAUTAHA for #8. Neomai TUPOU

65' - Manu and Salaiau confront each other on half way, but finish with an embrace and requiring no further action from the referee 

67' - Maumea Mafi courageously blocks Banabas, when she looked certain to level matters

69' - GOAL!

Tonga concede their first goal in over 8 hours of football when #11. Daisy WINAS cuts inside, sets, and slams a low, hard finish inside the near post

73' - #4. Helen BAKI receives her second yellow card for bringing Feke down a second time

73' - RED CARD!

#4. Helen BAKI is sent of with her second yellow card, leaving Papua New Guinea to finish the match with ten players

76' - Winas is in the clear again, but this time Likiliki saves and holds

80' - Midi has space to turn and shoot, but her effort cannons in to the side netting

83' - Kulia Filo is hurt, and requires attention causing a brief stoppage in play and allowing Papua New Guinea a valuable rest

87' - Atelaite Manu is down injured, and leaves the field of play for treatment

-- 3 minutes added time -- 

90'+2 - Likiliki somehow saves from Winas, but mishandles and a goalmouth scramble results in a corner

90'+4 - #18. Maumea MAFI leaves the field on a stretcher, to be replaced by #6. Olive MATEIALONA

 

EXTRA TIME: PNG 1 TON 1  

 

91' - Siniu lets rip from 30 yards with her left foot, but shoots wide

92' - Filo covers Winas well to force a corner 

94' - Banabas wears one from an agricultural Pesalini Lave challenge on the edge of the box, but a foul is not given

94' - plays stops momentarily for Banabas to leave the field and compose herself

94' - Tonga's #7. Salome Vaenuku is the latest to be booked

96' - Salaiau has a go from a free kick at 35 yards, but hits directly into Likiliki's hands

98' - Tonga replace #11. Matelita MISINALE with #2. Mele NIUKAPU

100' - #9. Deslyn SINIU is booked for simulation under a Veamatahau challenge

101' - Salaiau has a go from a free kick at the top left corner of the box, missing narrowly over the top rigth corner of the goal

105' - Banabas has space in the box to shoot, but Likiliki is well positioned again 

-- 1 minute added time -- 

 

HALF TIME of EXTRA TIME: PNG 1 TON 1

 

108' - GOAL!

#16. Ara MIDI breaks through and thumps home what should be the winner from a tight angle, leaving Likiliki motionless

115' - Tonga look to have run out of steam, with Papua New Guinea galvanising to keep their Olympic dream alive

118' - Carloline Moeder has a shot from 40 yards, with Banabas following in to capture the rebound from Likiliki but missing narrowly to the left

119' - GOAL! 

#12. Lydia BANABAS capitalises on a defensive error to secure the win, the gold, and the Olympic Qualifying date with New Zealand

 

FULL TIME: PNG 3 TON 1 

 

 

MATCH PHOTOS:

 

XIII SOUTH PACIFIC GAMES – SAMOA 2007

Women’s Final

Match Day 7 – 2030 – 7 September 2007

Toleafoa J.S. Blatter Football Fields – Apia – Samoa   

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: 3. Kathrina SALAIAU; 4. Helen BAKI; 6. Cathy AGUNAM; 7. Julie ALAU; 8. Margaret AKA; 9. Deslyn SINIU; 10. Caroline MOEDER; 11. Daisy WINAS; 14. Tracey KIG; 15. Miriam LANTA; 20. Linda BUNAGA [gk].

Coach: Francis MOIYAP

Substitutes not used: 1. Roxanne KOMENG [gk]; 2. Samantha PENINSA; 5. Priscilla KONALALAI; 12. Lydia BANABAS; 13. Judith MICHAEL; 16. Ara MIDI.

Injured:

Suspended:

Not available: 

Cautions:

Red cards:

Goal scorers:    

TONGA: 1. Mele LIKILIKI [gk][c]; 3. Kulia FILO; 4. Pesalini LAVE; 5. Sala VEAMATAHAU; 7. Salome VAENUKU; 8. Neomai TUPOU; 9. Atelaite MANU; 10. Helen LOTOANIU; 11. Matelita MISINALE; 12. Penateti FEKE; 18. Maumea MAFI.

Coach: Kilifi UELE

Substitutes not used: 2. Mele NIKAPAU; 6. Olive MATEIALONA; 13. Makaleta FOLAUMOETAO; 15. Salote LAUTAHA; 16. Karen UTAATU; 17. Lose PELE; 19. Uluaki KAUFUSI; 20. Elenoa LAUHINGOA [gk].

Injured:  

Suspended:

Not available: 14. Unise HAFOKA. 

 

Cautions:

Red cards:

Goal scorers:     

Referee: Neil FOX (NZL)

Assistant Referee: Alison FLYNN (AUS)

Assistant Referee: Rohitesh DAYAL (FIJ)

Fourth Official: Finau VULIVULI (FIJ)

Fifth Official: Mahit CHILIA (VAN)

 

 

New Caledonia reign supreme at the XIII South Pacific Games - Samoa 2007 after a thrilling 1-0 win over Fiji that clinched the men's football gold medal at a balmy Toleafoa JS Blatter Football Field in Apia tonight. A 61st minute goal by Jose Hmae was the difference between two team that turned on an exciting spectacle that swung from end to end at a frenetic pace.  

The conditions played a significant role in proceedings with a steady rain creating a greasy surface that made goalkeeping hazaerdous in the extreme as the ball skidded unpredictably. One area of the pitch where certainty was cast iron was the heart of the New Caledonia midfield where inspirational skipper Pierre Wajoka turned in a high quality performance that had fans enthralled throughout a gripping opening 45 minutes.

Wajoka's finesse, quality of passing, timing and execution of delivery from set-plays set the AS Lossi and New Caledonia skipper a class apart from any other player on the pitch as he tormented Fiji goalkeeper Tamaranisau with a variety of testing shots and free-kicks.

Wajoka's performance was supplemented by another star turn from the diminiutive figure of Jose Hmae, the former AS Pirae midfielder, whose skill, craft and guile had the Fiji back four struggling to pin him down.

These two quality performers should not suggest for a moment that Fiji were somehow outclassed; far from it, Fiji had some sterling performances of their own including skipper Peni Finau who, it can be said, might not possess a silken touch, but gets by on physical strength and an ability to sense danger before it happens.

Finau's performance against the tiny figure of striker Poulidor Toto was a highlight of a pulsating encounter as Toto refused to be pushed around by the Fiji skipper who tried to take the ball off Toto as skillfully as a bear might try to deftly deprive a beehive of its honey.

New Caledonia's strength is it's defensive shape and the commitment of its players to working hard to support that framework everytime they turn over possession; numerous times New Caledonia lost possession only to quell the danger by pouring back in numbers to the edge of the 18 yard box to defend. Fiji were reduced to taking long range shots but Marc Ounemoa was more than equal to the task.

As the second-half got underway Juan Carlos Buzzetti swapped Pita Baleitoga for Roy Krishna in a move designed to prise open a defence that has as yet proved largely impenetrable. With Osea Vakatalesau struggling to shurg off the attentions of a posse of New Caledonia defenders, Krishna was the perfect foil, but in honesty the pair of strikers never played close enough to each other to hatch an attacking formula capable of getting the goal Fiji so desperately wanted.

Another of Fiji's ailments on the night was a propensity toward playing in teasing crosses to the near and far post that nobody in a Fiji shirt managed to get anywhere near too. Had they done so, Fiji may have plundered two or three goals for themselves. As it turned out, this profligacy in front of goal ultimately cost Fiji a goal and the match when New Caledonia saw Poulidor Toto hold off a challenge from a Fiji defender in the six yard box before trundling a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Jose Hmae who blasted a wonderful finish from close range past Tamanisau on 61 minutes.

The defining moment of the match had arrived and Fiji - sweating on whether or not they were going to score a goal before - now doing so feverishly as the New Caledonia blanket defence began to close around their gold medal chances like a clenching fist.

From then on New Caledonia were happy to play Fiji on the break with Wajoka the main threat from set-play and the fleet-footed Toto an ever present danger on the counter-attack. Fiji didn't help themselves with several moments of lost composure at crucial moments but they carved out two decent chances the first disallowed for offside after Vakatalesau had the ball in the net the second a Krishna effort that Ounemoa saved brilliantly.

When referee Michael Hester blew for fulltime J.S. Blatter Football Fields erupted as the sizeable New Caledonian support unleashed a tide of emotion as players ran in all directions to celebrate with Fiji's crestfallen players scattered across the pitch in various states of heartbreak.

At the final whistle Fiji coach Juan Carlos Buzzetti had few complaints. With FIFA World Cup qualifying Stage Two business already settled, Buzzetti could afford to be.

"This was a good match, a good final between the two best teams at the tournament and it could have gone either way. If you lose concentration for one moment you can be punished and this is what happened.

The conditions played a big part and it was difficult for players on both teams to get a good touch on the ball. We are through to the next stage which is important but New Caledonia deserve congratulations because they played well and on the night were better," Buzzetti said.

 New Caledonia coach Didier Chambaron was delighted with the outcome and paid tribute to his hard working team.

"This is a great feeling, we were very strong in defence and played the game in the right way, I am very pleased," Chambaron said.

 

LIVE UPDATES:

0' - the players are greeted for the final by thick, wet conditions that will make for a grueling encounter

1' - Marc Ounemoa is into action early, punching a low Salesh Kumar free kick

2' - New Caledonia escape unscathed, clearing the ball well into Fiji's half 

4' - Adolphe Boaoutho fires a speculative drive from 30 yards, which forces Simione Tamanisau to make a full stretch save to his right, trapping the ball against the upright

9' - #12. Peni FINAU receives a yellow card for bringing Marius Mapou down 40 yards from goal

10' - Robert Wayaridi blasts the free kick straight at Tamanisau, catching a deflection in the process for the Fijian 'keeper to fist away

11' - Salesh Kumar is down injured, causing a break in play

14' - Tamanisau fails to hold a Yohann Mercier cross, giving Iamel Kabeu his first opportunity which he lashes wide of the goal

16' - Vakatalesau is through courtesy of a Wayaridi miscue, but Ounemoa saves well to his right

16' - Salesh Kumar blasts a free kick directly into New Caledonian captain #10. Pierre WAJOKA, who is standing over the ball to delay play

18' - New Caledonia scramble well to clear a Salesh Kumar corner, then a Taniela Waqa shot

20' - Tamanisau is far from enjoying the slippery conditions, with his usually dominant kicking game negated in the early stages

20' - #18. Poulidor TOTO receives a yellow card

22' - George WADENGES heads wide from a New Caledonian corner

24' - Malakai Tiwa lays the ball back for Salesh Kumar to swing from 30 yards, but his shot is well over

26' - Wadenges stoops well to head another Salesh Kumar attempt clear for a second consecutive corner as the rain teems down in Apia

27' - a wide Wajoka free kick forces a regulation save from Tamanisau

29' - play is running end to end, with neither team clearly dominant in this final

29' - New Caledonia break on counter attack for Toto to go down in the box under a Malakai Kainihewe challenge and receive a corner

30' - Kainihewe heads for a repeat at the near post

32' - Boaoutho beats four players to shoot on his left, but his effort doesn't dip in time to sneak under the crossbar

34' - Wajoka pulls up to shoot from the top of the box, narrowly missing the right hand post

39' - Wilson Forest is down in his own penalty area, after attempting to win the ball against Osea Vakatalesau

41' - Mercier is down this time, after clashing with Ronil Kumar

43' - dribbling acrossfield, Toto is well managed by Pita Baleitoga for Fiji to go back on attack 

-- 3 minutes added time --

45'+1 - Forest goes down again, this time in the Fijian area after Tamanisau slides in well to claim the ball

45'+2 - Tamanisau fists away another Wajoka free kick from wide on the left

45'+3 - Salesh Kumar travels diagonally across the field to release a dipping drive from 30 yards, which Ounemoa deflects awkwardly for a corner

45'+3 - this time Toto is down again, walking off the field following treatment

 

HALF TIME: NCL 0 FIJ 0

 

48' - the second half is off to a cautious start, with both teams sitting in their shape and knocking the ball long

51' - Fiji withdraw #8. Pita BALEITOGA for #19. Roy KRISHNA

52' - Kabeu is bundled over by Tiwa, and responds by clattering Pita Rabo

55' - New Caledonia scramble well to clear a flurry of crosses and attempted shots by Fiji, as the crowd builds and the fixture awakens

56' - Vakatalesau takes three touches, and drags his shot across the goal

58' - Jose Hmae forces a stoppage in play to break Fiji's momentum when he stays down injured

59' - Boaoutho is the next to lie down...

60' - #13. Taniela WAQA receives a yellow card for a challenge on Wajoka

61' - GOAL!

Fiji fail to clear a loose ball from the free kick, and #13. Jose HMAE gleefully fires home the third rebound

65' - Fiji replace #5. Ronil KUMAR with #11. Thomas VULIVULI

67' - #17. Iamel KABEU has injured his left ankle, and leaves the field for #11. Luther WAHNYAMALLA

68' - #3. Wilson FOREST goes through Rabo with two feet, and receives a yellow card

70' - Krishna breaks down the bye line, cuts to shoot, but Ounemoa blocks brilliantly

70' - in a lead-up similar to the goal, Wadenges saves New Caledonia by aerobatically clearing off the line 

72' - #11. Thomas VULIVULI receives a yellow card for a high boot

74' - Vakatalesau has the ball in the net for Fiji, but is fractionally offside

76' - Wajoka runs well to shoot from distance, but Tamanisau collects easily

77' - #10. Osea VAKATALESAU is yellow carded for voicing his opinion one too many times

79' - Wayaridi intervenes well to send the ball for a corner following a deep Vakatalesau cross

80' - Kainihewe brings down Wahnyamalla for another Wajoka free kick directly into Tamanisau's arms

82' - Wayaridi fouls Krishna on the edge of the area, but Waqa whips the free kick straight at Ounemoa

87' - #19. Roy Krishna is the latest to be carded for following through on Wadenges, who not surprisingly stays down injured only to walk off the field

89' - #16. Malakai TIWA is booked for sliding in on Poulidor Toto, who stays down yet again

-- 6 minutes added time --

90'+1 - Krishna breaks free to shoot from 10 yards on the angle, but misses the target high

90'+2 - Ounemoa is out well to deny a Fijian long ball reaching the onrushing Krishna, Vakatalesau, and Rabo

90'+4 - Kumar fires a last-gasp strike from distance, but the ball keels away to the left 

 

FULL TIME: NCL 1 FIJ 0

 

MATCH PHOTOS:

 

XIII SOUTH PACIFIC GAMES – SAMOA 2007

Men’s Final

Match Day 7 – 1800 – 7 September 2007

Toleafoa J.S. Blatter Football Fields – Apia – Samoa   

 

 

NEW CALEDONIA: 1. Marc OUNEMOA [gk]; 3. Wilson FOREST; 5. Robert WAYARIDI; 6. George WADENGES; 7. Yohann MERCIER; 9. Marius MAPOU; 10. Pierre WAJOKA [c]; 13. Jose HMAE; 16. Adolphe BOAOUTHO; 17. Iamel KABEU (11. Luther WAHNYAMALLA 67'); 18. Poulidor TOTO.

Coach: Didier CHAMBARON

Substitutes not used: 2. Andre NAXUE; 4. Andre SINEDO; 8. Jean Chrys XENIE; 12. Jean Luis TOTO; 14. Patrick DIAKE; 15. Jean Patrick WAKANUMUNE; 19. Patrick DRAWILO; 20. Jean Yann DOUZENEK [gk].

Injured:

Suspended:

Not available: 

Cautions: 10. Pierre WAJOKA (16'); 18. Poulidor TOTO (22'); 3. Wilson FOREST (68').

Red cards:

Goal scorers: 13. Jose HMAE (61').  

FIJI: 1. Simione TAMANISAU; 4. Samuela VULA; 5. Ronil KUMAR (11. Thomas VULIVULI 65'); 8. Pita BALEITOGA (19. Roy KRISHNA 51'); 10. Osea VAKATALESAU; 12. Peni FINAU [c]; 13. Taniela WAQA; 15. Salesh KUMAR; 16. Malakai TIWA; 17. Malakai KAINIHEWE; 18. Pita RABO.

Coach: Juan Carlos BUZZETTI

Substitutes not used: 2. Alvin ANESH; 3. Waisake SABUTU; 6. Lorima DAU; 9. Josaia BUKALIDI; 14. Viliame TOMA; 21. Ratu Inosi VATUCICILA; 30. Benaminio MATEINAQARA [gk].

Injured:  

Suspended:

Not available:  

 

Cautions: 12. Peni FINAU (9'); 13. Taniela WAQA (60'); 11. Thomas VULIVULI (72'); 10. Osea VAKATALESAU (77'); 19. Roy KRISHNA (87'); 16. Malakai TIWA (89').

Red cards:

Goal scorers:     

Referee: Michael HESTER (NZL)

Assistant Referee: Rodney ALLEN (AUS)

Assistant Referee: Teariki GOODWIN (COK)

Fourth Official: Lencie FRED (VAN)

Fifth Official: Nick WALDRON (NZL)

 

 

Vanuatu sealed the bronze medal and the final qualifying slot for Stage Two OFC/FIFA World Cup qualifying setting up a return match against New Zealand reminiscent of their proudest achievement - a 4-2 win over the Kiwis three years ago. 

If the plaudits belong to Vanuatu for a smart, tactically taciturn performance, then Solomon Islands will feel letdown by their inability in this match to get themselves out of first gear with veteran skipper Commins Menapi missing a second half penalty and far too many established players playing below their usual high standards.

Solomon Islands can point to the missing Alick Maemae and Gideon Omokirio - two players so crucial to the cause - as notable absentees in a match that was always going to be tight. Vanuatu applied huge pressure to the Solomon Islands back four - a unit within Airton Andrioli's side for whom uncertainty has at times appeared the normal state of affairs - and with the pace of Suele Soromon, Solomon Islands did indeed struggle.

George Suri and Samson Takayama took to defending Soromon very deep stretching the gap between their defence and midfield to an unacceptable distance, a distance that Francois Sakama exploited to full effect, being able to pick up loose balls and distribute potentially damaging passes to Soromon's feet or beyond that had Solomon Islands susceptible to being turned around.

It came as no surprise therefore when Soromon latched onto one such ball, leaving the Solomon Islands defence for dead and scoring the opening goal just before half-time.  The effect upon Solomon Islands was earth-shattering with the team simply unable to pick themselves up in the second half.

Vanuatu - in control of the match - elected to defend in numbers and look to exploit Sakama's freedom in the top third. Andrioli, recognising the danger, changed Godwin Bebeu for George Lui, moving Stanley Waita into midfield and using Bebeu as a third striker. Bebeu's injection into the match saw the stocky striker fashion two decent half-chances - one a shot, the other a header, but to no avail.

Vanuatu went 2-0 up when Sakama scored arguably the goal of the tournament when he hit a blistering right foot volley with the outside of his boot that screamed over the head of the stationery Houkarawa and beyond the despairing outstretched arms of Fred Hale. It was a goal of supreme quality and the icing on the cake for Vanuatu who now felt they were heading for Stage Two and the bronze medal.

Yet Solomon Islands were not yet out of it and their lifeline was extended when they were awarded a penalty on 57 minutes for handball. Skipper Commins Menapi stepped up and fired his penalty at Chikau Mansale at the perfect height for the Mele-born goalkeeper to save.

With the penalty squandered and trailing 2-0, Solomon Islands appeared to have nothing left to offer. Henry Fa'arodo moved into the centre of midfield to give his team something creative and energetic but it was all to no avail as the final whistle blew sending Vanuatu into delireum and Solomon Islands into mourning as their South Pacific Games and FIFA World Cup dream's evaporated on a humid Apia afternoon.

LIVE UPDATES:

1' - Fred Hale takes a knock after mishandling, and requires treatment

4' - Francois Sakama turns to shoot from 30 yards, for Hale to make a theatrical top-hand save diving to his left

5' - Solomon Islands take time to clear from the corner, but secure possession

9' - #13. Francois SAKAMA is booked for a foul on Judd Molea

10' - #14. Benjamin TOTORI is needlessly booked for impeding Chaikau Mansale's clearance from his hands 

12' - #5. George SURI is booked when charging for a loose ball via Mansale's reaction to another Molea free kick, from which Commins Menapi headed on target

14' - Takayama spectacularly clears a Hale deflection from a Jean Nako Naprapol shot

17' - Seule Soromon battles free of George Suri, only to drag his shot narrowly across the goal

22' - Soromon turns to shoot again, this time fractions clear of the top right corner 

25' - Hale saves well and holds down to his right, from a Naprapol snapped shot

27' - Vanuatu build well for Naprapol to put Jacques Mafil Nawan through, but his cross from the bye line is headed for a corner by Suri

28' - Mansale scrambles well to block a close range Menapi effort 

31' - Samson Obed has a go from long range, his shot curling away from the near post

38' - at present, Vanuatu seem far more interested in the fixture, with Henry Fa'arodo covering a huge amount of metres attempting to spark his team into action 

39' - #16. Stanley WAITA receives a yellow card for bringing down Sakama

39' - Soromon heads over the bar from the very deep free kick

45' - Solomon Islands have a free kick right on the edge of the Vanuatu area, which Menapi drives wide of the far post 

-- 4 minutes added time --

45'+1 - Naprapol releases a wild shot from the angle, which shatters a window of the SFSF building behind the goal

45'+3 - GOAL!

#10. Seule SOROMON trundles home a finish when untroubled by loose defending at the Solomon Islands penalty spot 

HALF TIME: SOL 0 VAN 1  

46' - #9. Godwin BEBEU has replaced #13. George LUI for the second half

48' - Mafil Nawan and Fa'arodo collide, with both staying down near half way

48' - #18. Jacques MAFIL NAWAN receives a yellow card for the challenge

50' - GOAL!

#13. Francois SAKAMA puts Vanuatu clear ahead with a superb volley to the top right corner from the edge of the area

57' - PENALTY!

Totori blasts a shot into the Vanuatu defence from 25 yards, and the referee blows for a penalty kick for hand ball

58' - Menapi looks to place the penalty, but Mansale chooses correctly and has a regulation save to his right 

62' - Totori hits a swirling drive from 20 yards, but misses over

64' - Sakama uses trickery to find Soromon free, but his low shot is wide right

65' - Molea finds Menapi free from a corner, but the headed ball sails over the crossbar 

69' - Fa'arodo is found well on the left by Suri running out of defence, and shoots for a deflection to pick up a corner

69' - Vanuatu make a double substitution, with #12. Fenedy MASAUVAKALO making way for #19. Derek MALAS, and #9. Jean Nako NAPRAPOL replaced by #11. Etienne MERMER

70' - Mansale backpedals well to punch the Solomon Island corner clear

71' - Solomon Islands remove defender #3. Marlon HOUKARAWA for #19. George ABA

75' - Taro clears well off the line to keep Solomon Islands slim World Cup hopes alive

75' - Hale saves theatrically again from a powerful Soromon drive

78' - #8. Tom Philip TOMAKE receives a yellow card for an important foul on Fa'arodo

79' - Totori breaks into the box and shoots from a tight angle for Mansale to save and hold well 

81' - Fedy Vava finds himself clear on goal to put the match beyond Solomon Islands' reach, but his finish clears the crossbar

81' - Bebeu heads sharply from a Molea corner, but Malas clears off the line to stifle a Solomons comeback

83' - #16 Stanley WAITA makes way for #15. Mostyn BEUI

84' - Menapi loads up from 20 yards, for his shot to fly past the left post

85' - Solomon Islands show impressive patience for Bebeu to force a low save from Mansale to his right

88' - #8. Tom Philip TOMAKE is withdrawn for regular captain #7. Moise POIDA to savour what should be an upset victory for Vanuatu

-- 3 minutes added time --

90'+1 - a goalmouth scramble sees Mansale wedge the ball between his legs and tempers frayed from both sides

90'+2 - Obed stays down injured to delay the final whistle, and leaves Vanuatu to finish the game with ten

90'+2 - substitute #15. Mostyn BEUI receives a yellow card for his part in the altercation 

FULL TIME: SOL 0 VAN 2

 

MATCH PHOTOS: 

 

XIII SOUTH PACIFIC GAMES – SAMOA 2007

Men’s Bronze Medal Match

Match Day 7 – 1430 – 7 September 2007

Toleafoa J.S. Blatter Football Fields – Apia – Samoa   

 

 

SOLOMON ISLANDS: 1. Fred HALE [gk]; 2. David TARO; 3. Marlon HOUKARAWA (19. George ABA 71'); 4. Samson TAKAYAMA; 5. George SURI; 10. Judd MOLEA; 11. Commins MENAPI [c]; 13. George LUI (9. Godwin BEBEU 46'); 14. Benjamin TOTORI; 16. Stanley WAITA (15. Mostyn BEUI 83'); 18. Henry FAARODO.

Coach: Airton ANDRIOLI

Substitutes not used: 6. Tome FAISI; 8. Jacob PEKAU; 12. James NAKA; 20. John MORGAN; 21. Arnold KENI [gk].

Injured:

Suspended: 7. Alick MAEMAE; 17. Gideon OMOKIRIO.

Not available: 

Cautions: 14. Benjamin TOTORI (10'); 5. George SURI (12'); 16. Stanley WAITA (39'); 15. Mostyn BEUI (90'+2).

Red cards:

Goal scorers:    

VANUATU: 2. Samson OBED; 3. Ken MASAUVAKALO [c]; 6. Fedy VAVA; 8. Tom Philip TOMAKE (7. Moise POIDA 88'); 9. Jean Nako NAPRAPOL (11. Etienne MERMER 69'); 10. Seule SOROMON; 12. Fenedy MASAUVAKALO (19. Derek MALAS 69'); 13. Francois SAKAMA; 17. Geoffrey Lego GETE; 18. Jacques MAFIL NAWAN; 20. Chikau MANSALE [gk].

Coach: Robert CALVO

Substitutes not used: 1. David CHILIA [gk]; 4. Rexley TARIVUTI; 5. Andrew CHICHIRUA; 14. Pita David MAKI; 15. Victor MALEB; 16. Richard IWAI; 21. Maki HAITONG.

Injured:  

Suspended:

Not available:  

Cautions: 13. Francois SAKAMA (9'); 18. Jacques MAFIL NAWAN (48'); 8. Tom Philip TOMAKE (78').

Red cards:

Goal scorers: 10. Seule SOROMON (45'+3); 13. Francois SAKAMA (50').     

Referee: Jacques AVERII (TAH)

Assistant Referee: Brent BEST (NZL)

Assistant Referee: Tevita MAKASINI (TON)

Fourth Official: Fiti AIMAASU (SAM)

Fifth Official: Collin AUVELE (SAM)