As the year comes to an end the Oceania Football Confederation are counting down some of the best moments of 2021.
While their fourth trip to mix it with the world’s best didn’t extend beyond the group stage, the Solomon Islands left the FIFA Futsal World Cup Lithuania 2021™ having gained the experience of a lifetime, getting to share the court with the sport’s greatest of all time.
Drawn in a tough group – which saw two of their three opponents go on to make it to the quarter-finals – the Kurukuru suffered three defeats in Lithuania, but in their second match had the thrill of taking on eventual champions Portugal and the incomparable Ricardinho, the six-time Men’s Futsal Player of the Year.
Portugal ran out 7-0 winners against the valiant Kurukuru and after the match a gracious Ricardinho took time to chat with Solomon Islands players and pose for photos with them.
Those photos – and the stories sure to go with them – will serve as ultimate souvenirs for the playing group and staff, while no doubt also providing inspiration for the next generation of futsal players both in the Solomon Islands and across the entire Oceania region.