The Oceania representatives held a five-goal cushion with just six minutes remaining, but will be mightily relieved to have put three points on the board following a spirited comeback from their Group A rivals.
The infallible Ricar gave Uruguay an early avantage, but goals from Laua, Hosea, Muri and Wale sent Solomon Islands in 4-2 up at the first break. The South Americans were incapable of nullifying their underdogs’ counter-attacking style, with a quick-fire brace from Laua, which completed his hat-trick, and a strike from Omo making it 7-2 before the end of the second period.
However, midway through the concluding period, Uruguay found their rhythm, and four goals within three minutes – Martin and Ricar both completed doubles, while Pampero and Fabian were also on target – made for a thrilling last few minutes. The Charrúas threw everything forward in search of an equaliser, but the Solomons ultimately escaped with the points.
Uruguay – Solomon Islands
6-7 (2-4, 0-3, 4-0)
Uruguay: 6 (RICAR 2’43” PEN, 31’06”, MARTIN 9’30”, 28’13”, PAMPERO 28’52”, FABIAN 30’39”)
Solomon Islands: 7 (LAUA 5’25”, 14’23”, 14’46”, HOSEA 7’54”, MURI 8’25”, WALE 10’29”, OMO 21’30”)
Uruguay starting line-up: 1. DIEGO, 3. RICAR, 4. COCO, 5. PAMPERO, 6. MARTIN
Substitutes: 2. FABRICIO, 7. PARRILLO, 8. MIGUEL, 9. OLI, 10. FABIAN, 11. MATIUS, 12. LEANDRO
Solomon Islands starting line-up: 12. Fred HALE, 2. Timothy WALE, 7. Michael TAEMAN, 8. OMO, 10. James NAKA
Substitutes: 1. Henry PADAVERANO, 3. Franco NEE, 4. Eddie NGAITIN, 5. Hickly RENCE, 6. Muri MAKAA, 9. Robert LAUA, 11. Gibson HOSEA, 12. Fred HALE
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
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