The Bilikiki also has the full backing of sporting brand Lotto who recently signed a new sponsorship deal with the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) to ensure the team is well equipped going into tournaments such as this one.
Lotto has provided thousands of dollars worth of equipment to help with preparations and New Zealand-based General Manager Blair Dawkins says the investment is well worth it.
“Beach soccer is an exciting new sport that has taken off in the Solomon Islands and throughout the Pacific. We want to be a part of that and show our support by sponsoring this successful team that has made it to the FIFA finals for a fourth consecutive time,” said Dawkins, who has been involved in the sporting goods industry for over 20 years.
“We wish the team the very best of luck as they compete against Portugal on Wednesday for a place in the quarter-final.”
Group A has proven to be the most evenly balanced group in the tournament, with each team picking up three points and all still in with a chance to progress going into the final day.
A victory for the Solomon Islands will see them make history by becoming the first Oceania nation to go through to the knock-out stages of a FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
But after Tuesday’s defeat at the hands of Uruguay, Portugal will also be hungry for a win. The Portuguese have proven too strong for the Solomon Islands on two previous occasions during the 2006 and 2008 group stages.
Solomon Islands match schedule:
Monday 16 November
Uruguay vs. Solomon Islands
6-7 (2-4, 0-3, 4-0)
Tuesday 17 November
Solomon Islands vs. UAE
1-7 (1-2, 0-3, 0-2)
Wednesday 18 November
Portugal vs. Solomon Islands
Friday 20 November
Quarter Finals
Saturday 21 November
Semi Finals
Sunday 22 November
3rd/4th play-off
Final
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