LIVE TEXT UPDATES: FIJI vs. VANUATU - (full time: 2-0)
Saturday, 06 September 08, 01:09 PM
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LIVE UPDATES:
0' - hundreds gathered in sweltering heat at Govind Park will be disappointed to hear that Fiji's first-choice goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau is out with a knee injury
2' - the match is underway, with Fiji applying the early pressure through #10. Roy KRISHNA and #11. Tuimasi MANUCA
4' - Fiji #8. Ronil KUMAR releases Krishna to produce an impressive double-save from Vanuatu goalkeeper #20. Chikau MANSALE, under close attention from Manuca
7' - GOAL!
Vanuatu #13. Francois SAKAMA fouls debutant skipper #16. Malakai TIWA, who places a pin-point free kick in the path of #15. Salesh KUMAR to put Fiji in the lead early on
Mansale is livid with his defence for allowing Fiji the chance
9' - Tiwa is inspired, relishing the responsibility afforded him in this fixture
10' - Vanuatu striker #12. Joseph NAMARAIU fires wide from the edge of the Fijian area
12' - Fiji seem content with the lead, along with their often-animated Uruguayan coach Juan Carlos Buzetti
13' - Vanuatu are enjoying a lot of possession, so far to no avail
15' - Vanuatu #11. Jean Robert YELOU fouls #9. Pita BALEITOGA to close down a Fijian counter-attack
17' - Krishna turns his marker, only to shoot directly at Mansale
19' - Krishna lays off to #5. Esava NAQELECA, whose whipped cross narrowly evades the outstretched Tiwa
21' - wonderkid Krishna is having a field day, rattling the crossbar from 20 yards
23' - Namaraiu beats #7. Rajnil Ritesh CHANDS to find #13. Francois SAKAMA, whose finish is turned around the post by Fijian #1. Benaminio MATEINAQARA
24' - Vanuatu have now gained the impetus, with #10. Seimata CHILIA making his mark upon returning to international football
29' - the exhasperating heat seems to be getting to the players, as the match meanders through the later stages of the opening half
32' - the afternoon crowd has built to over a thousand now, with Vanuatu chancing their arm as both teams tire
37' - a Taniela WAQA free kick sees Krishna bearing down on goal, only to be flagged offside
42' - Manuca and Mansale tangle inside the Vanuatu area, with the Vanuatu custodian requiring treatment
43' - Vanuatu #20. Chikau MANSALE succumbs to the injury, and is replaced by #1. John Presley GARAE
-- 2 minutes injury time --
HALF TIME: FIJ 1 VAN 0
48' - the second half is underway at a frenetic pace, with both teams realising they must strike early to take control of the fixture
49' - Salesh Kumar's free kick finds the head of Manuca, who narrowly misses the target from close-range
51' - Baleitoga wastes a good chance, his shot careering over the Vanuatu goal
55' - Krishna finds Manuca free in the area, but his header is held comfortably by Garae
*OFC Media apologises for the temporary loss of connection at this point*
63' - a defensive mistake from Vanuatu gives Manuca a chance to shoot, which he blazes over
63' - #11. Tuimasi MANUCA is replaced by #13. Maciu DUNADAMU
65' - Fiji ring the changes, with the popular #12. Henry DYER taking the place of #8. Ronil KUMAR
70' - livewire Vanuatu #13. Francois SAKAMA is suprisingly replaced by #15. Michell KAITAK
73' - #9. Pita BALEITOGA receives a yellow card for a foul on Chilia
79' - Fiji look to close up the game, bringing on defensive sub #4. Alvin SINGH in place of #9. Pita BALEITOGA
83' - the match is opening up, with Vanuatu desperate for an equaliser and the away goal
87' - GOAL!
Krishna provides the winner for Fiji, finding substitute #13. Maciu DUNADAMU in space to slam home his finish
-- 3 minutes added on --
90'+3 - Buzzetti triumphantly punches the air, as Fiji secure their first win in Stage 2 of the OFC Nations Cup
FULL TIME: FIJ 2 VAN 0
MATCH INFO:
2010 FIFA WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA ™ QUALIFIERS
2008 OFC NATIONS CUP
15H00 (FIJ T) – 6 September 2008
FIJ: 1. Benaminio MATEINAQARA [gk]; 3. Taniela Evo WAQA; 5. Esava NAQELECA; 7. Rajnil Ritesh CHAND; 8. Ronil KUMAR (12. Henry DYER 65'); 9. Pita BALEITOGA (4. Alvin SINGH); 10. Roy KRISHNA; 11. Tuimasi MANUCA (13. Maciu DUNADAMU 63'); 15. Salesh KUMAR ; 16. Malakai TIWA [c]; 17. Malakai KAINIHEWE.
Substitutes not used: 2. Manueli KALOU; 6. Samuela Vuluma VULA; 14. Monit Vikash CHAND; 20. Boletawa FILIMONE [gk].
Injured: Simione TAMANISAU [gk].
Cautions:
Injured:
Referee: Job Ponis MINAN (PNG)
Fourth Official: Salaiau SOSONGAN (PNG)
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2010 FIFA WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA ™ - CHILLIA RETURNS TO VANUATU NATIONAL TEAM
Friday, 05 September 08, 04:17 PM
Ace playmaker Seimata Chillia returns to the Vanuatu national team for tommorrows 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Qualifier against Fiji after an absense of over three years.
The 30-year-old last played for his country in 2004 during the World Cup qualifiers in Adelaide where Vanuatu was beaten 0-1 by Fiji.
“I’m pleased to have been recalled and it’ll be a good game for my side tomorrow (today). I’ll just try and stay focused.’’
“I was looking forward to playing in the South Pacific Games last year but didn’t make it because of work commitments,’’ he said.
Chillia is an assist in the finance department of the United Nations Development Programme office in Suva and has also been a regular in the capital’s football team since 2006.
He is also well versed about the Fijian opponents that he will be facing today.
“I played IDC for Suva in 2003, 04 and 05. I’ve been playing full seasons since 2006 when I joined USP.’’
“I know all the boys in the Fiji team and hope to have a good game against them,’’ he said.
Chillia is looking forward to playing alongside fellow Fiji-based countryman Joseph Nimariau, who used to play for Suva before joining Labasa in June.
“I enjoy playing with Joseph and he’s a great finisher.’’
He was in the Suva team that lost 0-4 at Govind Park last week and believes the heat factor in Ba may trouble Vanuatu.
“It was very hot there last week and Fiji team has been training in Ba since last week.’’
Chillia said he had a lot of respect for Fiji team and its coach Juan Carlos Buzzetti, who coached Vanuatu for a number of years before moving to Fiji in 2006.
“I appreciate the work he did in Vanuatu. I’ve played under him and he knows my game so I think I’ll need to change my technique and style,’’ he said.
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OFC Nations Cup/South Pacific Games 2008 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA ™ INTERVIEW: DIDIER CHAMBARON
Friday, 05 September 08, 03:18 PM
Est-ce que les joueurs croient encore que "c'est possible"?
Do the players believe it is still possible?
Nous croyons tous que c'est encore possible puisqu'il existe encore une chance si infime soit elle. Nous sommes par contre très réalistes et savons que seul un exploit nous permettrait de continuer l'aventure. Nous allons tout faire pour donner une bonne réplique aux néozélandais et montrer à tous que nous ne sommes pas arrivés jusqu'ici par hasard. Les joueurs ont beaucoup progressé ces derniers mois, les résultats vont bien au delà de nos attentes et bien terminer cette phase de poule en essayant de préserver notre invincibilité en match officiel depuis dix matchs constituera un autre challenge.
We all believe it is still possible, since it exists still a slim chance. We are however very realistic and know that only one achievement will allow us to continue the adventure. We will do our best to give the same game replica to the NZL players and show to everyone that we haven’t come to this stage accidently.
All players made progress over the few months, and results will be higher than our expectations and to finish this group stage while trying to keep our invincibility on official matches. 10 other games will be another challenge
2. Quel est le joueur de NZ dont vous avez peur en particulier (s'il y en a)?
Which player NZL are you most afraid of, in particular, if any?
Nous avons beaucoup de respect pour tous les joueurs néozélandais qui évoluent tous à un niveau supérieur. Je crains plus le collectif mis en place par l'entraîneur Rick Herbert qu'un joueur en particulier. Les joueurs mettent leurs qualités individuelles au service du collectif ce qui donne à l'arrivée une équipe redoutable dans toutes ces lignes.
We have a lot of respects for all NZL players who progress at a higher level. I am more afraid of the team set by coach Rick Herbert than a single player. Players put their individual qualities in the service of collective giving the arrival a formidable team in all those lines
3. Croyez-vous que la campagne entière a remonté (ou va remonter) le moral du foot Calédonien en général?
Do you think the crusade has risen (or will rise) the morale of the Caledonian football in general?
Un entraîneur aimerait toujours que les choses aillent beaucoup plus vite. Je ne pense pas que les résultats enregistrés aient été pris à leur juste valeur jusque là et c'est dommage.
A coach will always like things to happen faster. I do not think the results recorded are shown at fair value so far and it is a pity.
4. Est-ce qu'il ya un changement (ou quelques changements) qui peut aider le niveau de football en Océanie dans l'avenir?
Is there a change (or some change) that will help the level of football in Oceania in the future?
Le Pdt Reynald Temarii a planifié toute une série de réformes destinées à améliorer le statut du football au sein et en dehors de l'Océanie. Des projets existent: ils concernent non seulement l'élite mais aussi l'éducation de notre jeunesse, la lutte contre la pauvreté, l'insertion par le football par exemple.
Jim Selby et Patrick Jacquemet mettent en place et assurent le suivi de tous ces projets dans tous les pays de la Confédération. C'est toujours un très enrichissant d'échanger avec ces deux experts qui font le maximum pour développer des outils pédagogiques qui nous rendent meilleurs au quotidien.
The President Mr Reynald Temarii has planned a series of reforms aimed at improving the status of football within and outside the Oceania. We do have projects – they affect not only the elite but also the education of our youth, the fight against poverty, social integration through football for example.
Jim Selby and Patrick Jacquemet implement and monitor all these projects in all countries of the Confederation. It is always a very rewarding exchange with these two experts who do the utmost to develop educational tools that make us better every day.
Beaucoup de choses sont lancées, les projets sont réalistes et sérieux pour améliorer le niveau de notre football.
J'ai bien sûr une idée un peu plus concrète sur le niveau et le travail à effectuer après deux ans et demi passés en Nouvelle Calédonie; j'espère que je pourrais contribuer à mon petit niveau au développement du football océanien dans son ensemble.....en tout cas je suis prêt
Many things are launched; projects are realistic and serious matter to improve the standard of our football.
I have of course an idea with little more concrete on the level and work to be done after two and a half years in New Caledonia;
I hope I can contribute my small level of football development Pacific as a whole; in any case I am ready
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OFC Nations Cup/South Pacific Games 2008 DANONE NATIONS CUP 2008 - FIJI KIDS READY TO TAKE ON THE WORLD
Friday, 05 September 08, 11:22 AM
PARIS - The waiting is almost over for the Fiji U-12 football team as the Danone Nations Cup gets ready for the big kick-off at the Parc de Prince in Paris this weekend.
Fiji qualified for the popular tournament after it won the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Youth Festival held in Noumea, New Caledonia, back in May as the French Overseas Territory celebrated the career of Christian Karembeu at Stade Numa Daly with a testimonial match that included stars from the 1998 FIFA World Cup winning French team.
Zinedine Zidane, Franck LeBeouf, Robert Pires, Youri Djokaeff, Laurent Blanc, and Bernard Lama were amongst the stars of that event as Fiji's youngsters surged to a memorable victory and a first time trip to Europe.
Coach Farouk Janeman was ecstatic with the performance of the team against the cream of the Oceania crop and will be hoping his youngsters can repeat those memorable efforts in what promises to be a fun event that engages both football and a wonderful cultural experience.
Fiji has been drawn into a tough section alongside Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands and Qatar and will do well to repeat Vanuatu's fine efforts in 2007 when the Oceania representatives finished in 19th place out of 40 countries.
The three day tournament will see Fiji open with all four group matches on Friday 5th September with those results determining play-off positions for Match Day 2 and Match Day 3.
The Danone Nations Cup has become the world's top football tournament for children in the 10-12 age group, and has already made 15 million kids' dreams come true.
The World Final is the culmination of a year of competition, over five continents. The winners of the national tournaments in the 40 participating countries come together in a prestigious stadium, filled with bigger and bigger crowds, to play their favourite sport under the proud gaze of some of the greatest stars of the international game, and in particular the event's sponsor: Zinedine Zidane.
Endorsed by FIFA and the FFF (the French Football Association), the World Final of the Danone Nations Cup is a true festival of sport, which brings together 600 children from different countries and cultures. The event is based on four fundamental values: openness, pleasure of the game, fair-play and accessibility.
More than just a football tournament, every year the Danone Nations Cup gives thousands of kids the chance to "believe in their dreams", taking part in a unique experience where the emphasis is firmly on openness and fraternity.
The Danone Nations Cup also gives hope to hundreds of children affected by illness, donating all revenues from ticket sales to the association ELA, which is sponsored by Zinedine Zidane.
THE FULL DRAW:
GROUP A
Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Fiji, Qatar
GROUP B
Brazil, Ireland, Tunisia, South Africa, Indonesia
GROUP C
Spain, Italy, Poland, India, Saudi Arabia
GROUP D
Czech Republic, Algeria, Portugal, Mexico, Cameroon
GROUP E
Germany, Bulgaria, Guatemala, Morocco, Argentina
GROUP F
England, Turkey, Romania, China, Bangladesh
GROUP G
France, Russia, Ukraine, Canada, Egypt
FIXTURES AND KICK-OFF TIMES (GROUP A)
Friday 5th September 2008
Netherlands vs. Fiji
Kick-Off: 09h30 (local)/18h00 (Fiji Time)
Fiji vs. Qatar
Kick-Off: 12h10 (local)/21h10 (Fiji Time)
Belgium vs. Fiji
Kick-Off: 15h10 (local time)/00h10 (Fiji Time)
Friday 5th September 2008/Saturday 6th September 2008*
Switzerland vs. Fiji
Kick-Off: 16h30 (local time)/01h30 (Fiji Time)*
For all the latest news and updates from the Danone Nations Cup please visit www.danonenationscup.com
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2010 FIFA WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA ™ - FINAU TO FACE DISCIPLINARY ACTION
Friday, 05 September 08, 11:18 AM
Fijian national football team defender Peni Finau has found himself in hot water after falling foul of administrators ahead of this weeken'd FIFA World Cup South Africa™ Oceanian Qualifiers.
New Zealand - based Finau was to have joined the national team camp in Ba this week for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Vanuatu but failed to show up without informing officials.
Fiji FA vice-president Rajesh Patel said the parent body would recover ticket costs from the former Ba utility.
“Two weeks back Peni told us that he was available and Fiji FA sent him a ticket which will now be recovered from him.’’
Patel said Fiji FA’s board of control would decide if further action was to be taken against the player.
“The fact that he’s a semi-professional player, who chose not to even inform us of the reasons for not being here, is a downfall on his part. We’ll prepare a report for the board and if it has merit then the disciplinary committee will charge him,’’ he said.
Labasa’s Henry Dyer joined camp on Tuesday to provide cover in midfield after Australia-based Shivan Sami and Labasa’s Alvin Avinesh were ruled out.
“We needed someone with experience to be able to hold the ball in midfield and Henry is unbelievably very fit for it. We may not use him this week but definitely he will be considered for next week’s game in Vanuatu because Salesh (Kumar) is only available this week,’’ he said.
Buzzetti is impressed with the commitment shown by former Lautoka midfielder Pranit Singh, who now plays for Tavua.
“He is good player, very confident and this is a great opportunity for him to learn more. I’m happy with what he has shown so far.’’
He said the 24-member squad focused on fitness and skills yesterday.
“We’ve planned difficult training sessions for the next two days. Focus will be on movement of the team and what they have to do during the game,’’ Buzzetti said.
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2010 FIFA WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA ™ - FIJI vs VANUATU PREVIEW
Thursday, 04 September 08, 05:14 PM
The 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ - Oceania qualifying tournament continues on Saturday when Vanuatu and Fiji meet at Govind Park, Ba in the first of two matches the sides will play over five days.
The two sides sit bottom of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Nations Cup group on one point each and will both be desperate to improve on their standing in their few remaining games.
With the chance to qualify for the 2010 World Cup now out of reach both sides will be playing for pride and for many players – a chance to establish themselves in the national side for the future.
Fiji soccer coach Juan Carlos Buzzetti breathed a sigh of relief, after he received news that top goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau was able to join up with the team camp.
There was a cloud of doubt on the Navua stopper who is also a police officer and there was some worry amongst management that he would not be able to get the time off to feature for Fiji.
Lautoka goalkeeper Laisenia Tuba had been ruled out because of injury and Buzzetti said he now had enough cover for the goalkeeper position.
“We have Ben Amino along with Filimone Boletawa, and Simione Tamanisau joining,” he said.
Labasa’s Henry Dyer has been called up to bolster the midfield, while Auckland City defender Salesh Kumar will arrive in from New Zealand on Thursday night.
The match will be extra special for the Uruguayan, as he was the former coach of Vanuatu and knows the side well.
“Vanuatu will definitely have more experience than us,” Buzzetti said. “However, playing at home, we know our side will do well.”
The Vanuatu squad has a lot of experience and Coach William Malas will look to the likes of Fedy Vava and Moise Poida to snatch a difficult point on the road.
Media:
Live Text Updates: www.oceaniafootball.com will provide live text updates for the match
Radio: Fiji – Radio Sargam and Radio Fiji 2 will provide live commentary from 17H00 local time.
Match Details
Fiji vs. Vanuatu
Saturday 6 September
15H00 (Local Time) (14H00 VANT)
Govind Park
Ba, Fiji
Vanuatu vs. Fiji
Wednesday 10 September
14H00 (Local time) (15H00 FIJT)??
Municipal Stadium
Port Vila, Vanuatu
2010 FIFA WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA ™ QUALIFIERS STANDINGS
| PL |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
GD |
PTS |
||
| 1. |
New Zealand |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
3 |
+5 |
9 |
| 2. |
New Caledonia |
4 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
11 |
4 |
+7 |
8 |
| 3. |
Vanuatu |
4 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
10 |
-7 |
1 |
| 4. |
Fiji |
3 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
9 |
-6 |
1 |
VAN (FROM): 1.GARAE John Presley; 2.OBED Samson; 4.TOA Peter Shem; 5. JOE Roger; 6. VAVA Fedy; 7. POIDA Moise; 8. MAKI Pita David; 9. NAPRAPOL Jean Nako; 10.CHILIA Seimata; 11.YELOU Jean Robert; 12 NAMARAIU Joseph; 13.SAKAMA Francois; 14. NIMANIAN Jeffrey; 15.KAITAKMichell; 17.GETE Geoffrey Lego; 18 TOM Robert; 19.MALAS Derek; 20.MANSALE Chikau;
FIJ (FROM): 1. Simione Moci TAMANISAU; 2.Manueli KALOU; 3.Taniela Evo WAQA; 4.Alvin Singh; 5.Esava Samudere NAGELACA; 6.Samuela Vuluma VULA; 7. Laitia Qio Vunibola TUILAU; 8.Ronil KUMAR; 9.Pita Bolatoga SENIBIAUKULA; 10.Roy Krishna; 11. Tuimasi Tavetuiwai K.MANUCA; 12. Lagi Gordon Henry DYER; 13.Maciu Samaidrawa DUNADUMU; 14. Monit Vikash CHAND; 15.Rajnil Ritesh CHAND; 16.Tiwa MALAKAI; 17.Kainihewe MALAKAI; 18.Beniamino Mojito MATEINAQARA;
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