The Solomon Islands Bilikiki Boys have lost their second match of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Rio de Janeiro 2006 after they lost 10-5 to South American giants Uruguay.
Uruguay came out all guns blazing, putting Solomon Islands’ keeper Fred Hale under immediate pressure. He was soon picking the ball out of the net too, after a close-range effort from Coco.
The game was more even thereafter, and it was not until six seconds before the end of the first period that Miguel Aguirre doubled the Celeste’s lead.
Uruguay gradually built on that advantage in the second period. Henry Koto and Sylvester Rogy each bagged a goal for the island side, but as the match went into the final twelve minutes the score was already 6-2.
Things were not to get any easier for the Bilikiki Boys. Defending deep, they only invited the South Americans onto them and despite another three consolation goals, Eddie Omokirio’s men let in another four and found themselves on the end of a 10-5 scoreline by the end.
Uruguay coach Venacio Ramos said, “We knew we needed to win this match in order to keep dreaming of a place in the next stage. The team started well but it lost focus after being ahead in the scoreboard. After our defeat to Portugal, I had told the players that the World Cup was not over for us. We have potential to remain in the tournament.”
Solomon Islands defender, Henry Koto, said too many mistakes in team shape led to defeat but added the Bilikiki Boys were looking forward to the Portugal match eagerly.
“It was a very good game. We tried to play the best we could but we had too many mistakes, especially when the ball was out of play. Now we need to focus, study Portugal’s team and try to give them the hardest time during the game.”
Bilikiki coach, Eddie Omokirio, echoed sentiments that his team shape suffered and suggested this was down to inexperience.
“We had problems positioning ourselves. We did not know how to react to the Uruguayan movements inside the court. Nevertheless, we will keep on fighting in order not be eliminated in the next game. It is possible to win over Portugal because this is football, where everything is possible.”