Each will rely on the form of several key players as they look to keep their dreams of making it all the way to Brazil alive.
oceaniafootball.com has cast an eye over the respective squads and singled out one player from each team whose performances could ultimately prove the difference between glory and despair.
Georges Gope-Fenepej (New Caledonia)
Georges Gope–Fenepej’s form for New Caledonia over recent years has been so exhilarating that it has seen the dynamic winger rewarded with trials and eventually a one-year contract at French Ligue 1 side Troyes. Les Cagous coach Alain Moizan will be hoping the former Kirkitr and Magenta man will bring this new-found professionalism, coupled with his customary blistering pace and skill, to the national side as they descend on their journey towards Brazil 2014. As well as providing assists for the likes of Bertrand Kai, goals will be expected of the 23-year old, who helped himself to seven at the 2011 Pacific Games, a tournament won by New Caledonia on home soil. Despite scoring twice and being at the heart of much of his side’s most flowing moves, Gope-Fenepej did not perform to his best at June’s OFC Nations Cup and the knowledge that he is capable of more will be giving the fullbacks of Les Cagous’ Stage 3 opponents some sleepless nights.
Ryan Nelsen (New Zealand)
All Whites coach Ricki Herbert will be delighted to welcome back inspirational skipper Ryan Nelsen for Stage 3 after watching his side make several uncharacteristic mistakes at the back during the Nations Cup, where they conceded seven goals in five games. The 34-year old centre-back, who made his name in America’s Major League Soccer before moving to England, will bring the organisation, bravery and strength that was at the heart of New Zealand’s unbeaten run at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a tournament that saw Nelsen lauded as one of the standout defenders due to his formidable tackling and aerial ability. Nelsen brings with him a wealth of experience from his stints at Blackburn Rovers, Tottenham Hotspur and, most recently, Queens Park Rangers and that will be essential to a team that boasts five players under the age of 23.
Nicolas Vallar (Tahiti)
For a player who only made his debut for Tahiti in his country’s opening Nations Cup match against Samoa, 28-year old defender Nicolas Vallar has quickly established himself as a key figure for the tiny French territory. Having been awarded the captain’s armband by coach Eddy Etaeta, Vallar displayed his excellent ability to read the game and outstanding tackling, as well as showing why he is so highly rated when contesting the ball in the air. Those attributes earned Vallar the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player and his inspirational leadership proved the catalyst as the Tahitians marched to their first Oceania title. Vallar, who had several seasons in the reserve side of current French champions Montpellier and was also on the books of Ligue 2 club Sète, will lead Tahiti through their first ever FIFA Confederations Cup next June but will need to ensure his teammates keep their minds firmly on the job ahead of Stage 3 as the Toa Aito strive for further unprecedented success.
Benjamin Totori (Solomon Islands)
The Bonitos will be less fancied than New Caledonia, New Zealand and Tahiti but still have more than enough firepower to have a big say in the outcome of Stage 3. The man most likely to cause problems is undoubtedly the dangerous Benjamin Totori. With his pace, skill and deadly finishing, the Solomon striker has the ability to make the most accomplished of defenders look foolish. His four strikes at the Nations Cup, including three in two games against New Zealand, are testament to the talents of a player who has plundered almost a goal a game at international level. That impressive strike rate, coupled with his outstanding performances against the All Whites, convinced Wellington Phoenix boss Herbert to snap up Totori for his A-League side. Solomon Islands coach Jacob Moli will hope some of the professional experience of the 26-year old, who also had a stint in America with the Portland Timbers, will rub off on his Bonitos teammates as they look to defy the odds.

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