While Fiji may not be joining their Oceania neighbours in the next round of the competition, coach Frank Farina insists the historic results are an impressive achievement nonetheless.
“It was most probably unexpected by a lot of people that we would have this opportunity going into the last game,” Farina says of his young side coming within a draw of progressing.
“We’ve most probably overachieved. I truly believed that the team who scored first would go on. I’m disappointed with the manner that the [first] goal was conceded but we really proud of how the boys have performed and held themselves.
“They are very disappointed, but I told them that that’s a good thing, being disappointed at not going further. The players showed not only everyone else but themselves that given an opportunity they can compete.
“To have a chance of going through at the last game was a dream, but unfortunately the dream didn’t come true.”
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