And steering the team to their only victory at Singapore 2010 were a pair of twin brothers.
Born on 3 December 1995 in Port Vila, Raoul and Michel are the given names of the two Coulon siblings. Deployed as a centre-back, Raoul provided leadership in the rearguard throughout the game while Michel formed a potent attacking line alongside two-goal hero Andre Kalselik.
“His performance was brilliant,” stated Raoul, after watching from deep how his brother dazzled the opponents’ defence and had a hand in both of Vanuatu’s goals against Zimbabwe. “He did his attacking job well and for me he had everything but a goal.”
Michel also acknowledged how the watertight backline, bossed by his brother Raoul, helped his side to turn their 2-0 lead into a victory.
“He and our defenders kept their cool throughout the 80 minutes, holding off the Africans’ attacks to make our victory possible. My brother played a great game,” he said.
Zimbabwe pressed hard from the outset with Mgcini Sibanda and Lucky Ndlela repeatedly threatening the Vanuatu goal. But the Raoul-led defence proved solid and, having weathered the early storm, it was soon the turn of Michel to shine.
The No 14 was a constant threat in the Zimbabwe penalty area and he made the Africans sweat when he ghosted into the box, only to see his shot turned around for a corner. With both sides surging forward for the opener, a brilliant bit of improvisation by Michel set up Kalselik to put Vanuatu in front.
Jelene Waiwai’s cross from the left found Michel on the edge of the area but, instead of taking his shot, the cool-headed striker squared for Kalselik who opened the scoring with a low strike.
“I was facing the goalkeeper when I was about to make the pass to him,” Michel said.
“I attracted the most attention from the defenders and was not in a good position to finish, so I immediately decided to cross for my partner to complete the job. We have played together for a long time so we have a telepathic understanding between us.”
Their second goal was again the result of the handiwork of Michel, whose powerful drive was palmed away by Fungai Benard. The clearance fell at the feet of Kalselik, who unleashed a lightning shot which was deflected into the net.
“We played a great game. I didn’t score a goal but I did my part of the job to help our side to victory and that is the most important thing for me,” said the unselfish forward.
Story and photo courtesy of www.fifa.com