Both warm up matches provide the Bilikiki a valuable opportunity to aclimatise to the hot conditions ahead of their opening World Cup match against Uruguay on Monday 16 November.
The FIFA tournament, which goes through until Sunday 22 November, includes 16 of the world’s best beach soccer teams. It will be the fourth consecutive year that the Solomon Islands have represented Oceania at the event.
Bilikiki management were happy with the first up performance against a talented Switzerland side. The team will now look to try different strategies in the second friendly against the Europeans.
The matches follow on from a recent visit by Switzerland assistant coach Davor Ivcevic to the Solomon Islands to assist with preparations for the tournament.
Ivcevic’s tour was organised by Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) who have worked together to ensure the best possible build up for the Bilikiki.
As OFC’s representative on the world stage, the Solomon Islands will play alongside Ivory Coast and Nigeria (African qualifiers), Italy, Portugal, Russia, Spain and Switzerland (European qualifiers), Costa Rica and El Salvador (CONCACAF qualifiers), Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay (CONMEBOL qualifiers) plus Japan and Bahrain (Asian qualifiers) as well as the United Arab Emirates who gain automatic entry as hosts.
They will face tough competition in the first round of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup after being drawn in Group A alongside Portugal, Uruguay and hosts UAE.
FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Dubai 2009
Solomon Islands schedule:
Monday 16 November
Uruguay vs. Solomon Islands
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