Following Saturday’s 4-0 defeat to Atletico FC, the Fijians had less than two days to prepare for their next challenge against Parana Clube.
The signs were ominous to Farina’s men when they conceded two early goals, but a brace by Iosefo Verevou drew the sides level before the break.
Farina says he was very pleased with the fightback.
“It was very good response, it came from pressing by Setareki Hughes and Anish Khem as well.
“And that’s what we wanted to do, to press high and force them into errors and it worked a treat for us, we got two goals from it,” he says.
The turning point of the match came in the second half when defender Jale Dreloa received a red card.
The Brazilians made the most of their numerical advantage to run out 4-2 winners.
Despite the loss Farina took plenty of positives out of the performance.
“I think they played very well. A couple of mistakes cost us some early goals but to come back to 2-2 was fantastic.
“I think the red card killed us, but up to that point we played really well with 11-men.”
Farina admits there is a lot of work ahead for his side before the start of the Rio Games in August, and conceding early goals is a particular concern.
“This is why we are here, trying to iron out those basic mistakes,” he says.
“As long as you know where the goals came from and why they happened, we can always work on them.”
The Fiji U-23 team will complete their four-match tour of Brazil later this week with two more matches against local club sides.
And Farina is looking for further improvement.
“I’ve given them a goal and I told them that they have to improve with every game.
“From the first game we improved dramatically and I was really pleased.”

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