New Zealand cruised to a 13-1 win over Tuvalu in the final game of Match Day Four at the OFC Futsal Championships in Suva.
Kiwi captain Bakr Al Saudi went on a scoring rampage opening his tournament account in the second minute and closing it – seven goals later – in the 40th minute.
New Zealand’s shot at winning the championship has slipped after losses to the Solomon Islands and Tahiti but Coach Erkin Osman was delighted that his team finally had something to smile about.
“We talked about finishing this tournament off properly and I plan to do so. We want to go back home with our heads held high.”
It was the most comprehensive win of the tournament so far and six New Zealand players found the scoresheet including Ouadhah Ragued, Marvin Eakins, Gregory O’Connor, Yukin Naidoo and Andrew Gwilliam.
Tuvalu scored a consolation goal in the 35th minute much to the crowds delight and despite their tiring legs the newcomers to the tournament never gave up.
Tuvalu Coach Sami Neemia said his side gave away too many silly fouls in the first half which resulted in goals.
“Our guys are not used to playing every day like this and there were some tired legs out there. But it was good that the guys all earned more experience and now the boys just need to pick themselves up and go again tomorrow.”
Photos by Marc Peretic Wilson
NZL: 4. Marvin EAKINS; 8. Joshua MARTIN; 10. Ouadhah RAGUED; 14. Bakr Al SAUDI; 20. Clayton CHAPPELL (GK),
SUBS: 1. Elias BILLEH (RGK); 5. Yukin NAIDOO; 3. Andrew GWILLIAM; 19. Michael CORRINGHAM; 12. Luke FIELD; 17. Victor ZAIA; 23. Gregory O’CONNOR
Coach: Erkin Osman (AUS)
Goals: 14. Bakr Al SAUDI 2’,5’, 15’, 16’; 32’; 40’; 10. Ouadhah RAGUED 15’; 4. Marvin EAKINS 21’; 23. Gregory O’CONNOR 23’; 3. Andrew GWILLIAM 37’;
TUV: 1. Sopepe TAILOLO (GK); 6. Paitela KELEMENE; 8. Peniuna KAITU; 11. Imo FIAMALUA; 21. Maio ETIMANI;
SUBS: 2. Felo FEOTO; 3. Tioti Maati TOAFA; 5.Mau PENISULA; 9. Starchel SOLOSENI; 17. Neemia ONOSEMU; 19. Mahanga TEIAPUTI; 10. Semalie FOTU
Coach: Sami NEEMIA (TUV)
Referee: Allan ALICK (VAN)
2nd Referee: Rajnish DAVE (FIJ)
3rd Referee: Amitesh BEHARI (FIJ)
Timekeeper: Peter L. PAKOATONG (VAN)
Referee’s Assessor: Massimo RAVEINO (TAH)