While every match is a must win, this fixture presents Fiji with the opportunity to upset the balance of power and become the first Pacific Island team to qualify for a FIFA U-20 World Cup. With a lot riding on shutting the Junior All Whites down, oceaniafootball.com spoke to Fiji coach Ravinesh Kumar to get his take on the importance of the match.
Fiji have won two from two to turn the match against New Zealand into what is essentially this tournament’s final, what do you have to say about that?
We are satisfied with the two wins and the main match in this tournament was initially with New Zealand, and it remains so now. We will have to go to the wire against New Zealand. Like I said, I’m satisfied, but I’m not very happy or happy because there are still two more stones to be stepped onto and the next one coming up is New Zealand. After this match things will be very clear in terms of where we are heading to, and I will let you know about my feelings.
How big of an influence has it been playing at home with the local supporters behind you?
The boys are feeling confident to play in front of their own people, rather than going outside the country and playing. They are getting parental support, support from the fans and the nation.
Will you approach this match in the same fashion you have approached the two previous ones?
Yes, we will approach this game as a final, as we have for each of the previous ones. Every game in this tournament is a final, there are only four games and each of these four matches counts so we will treat this next one as the final of the OFC U-20 Championship.
What level of influence has the OFC B Licence coaching course you participated in during December had on your approach to this team?
The B Licence was very helpful and very educational for us. We did some of the sessions with the boys here as soon as we returned and it has shown us the true colours of victory in this tournament. When I took the last U-20 side, the final product was not that good, but when you see this side the final product is very good. That means this has served us very well.
What do you think is the difference between this U-20 group and the previous one?
The first thing I would say is the discipline of these boys is very good. They listen to whatever we are saying and they follow the instructions very carefully.
So what is driving this team to make them so disciplined?
Motivational talks, and with the help of Juan Carlos Buzzetti and Imdad Ali with myself and the other coaches, the technical team of Farouk Janeman, and the others in the academy, we are always talking to the boys, keeping them focused on the target.
What have you seen from this New Zealand side that you think will require a specific approach from you?
In general I would say they have players from overseas and they are technically and tactically better than us. They have blinding runners from the sides who can be quite damaging so we will have to be aware of those factors.

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