Oceania qualifying review

On that occasion New Caledonia captain Pierre Wajoka had the honour of scoring the first goal in the global campaign for South Africa 2010 with his ninth-minute penalty enough to edge Tahiti 1-0 in a Francophone derby. It proved to be the commencement of a solid campaign for the New Caledonians who were only admitted…

As nations around the world celebrated their inclusion in Africa’s historic World Cup, the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (OC) respected the significant achievement on the road to 2010 in a symbolic flag raising ceremony on the lawns of SAFA House.After each Ambassador and country representative had raised their flag under the…

After a dramatic 7-6 win against Urugay in their opening match, the Bilikiki could not follow that up with another win as the hosts proved too strong in front of a home crowd. UAE, desperate for three points after a heart-breaking loss to Portugal on day one, struck moments into the match to signal their…

The Bilikiki also has the full backing of sporting brand Lotto who recently signed a new sponsorship deal with the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) to ensure the team is well equipped going into tournaments such as this one.Lotto has provided thousands of dollars worth of equipment to help with preparations and New Zealand-based General…

The Oceania representatives held a five-goal cushion with just six minutes remaining, but will be mightily relieved to have put three points on the board following a spirited comeback from their Group A rivals.The infallible Ricar gave Uruguay an early avantage, but goals from Laua, Hosea, Muri and Wale sent Solomon Islands in 4-2 up…

A Rory Fallon goal in the 45th minute was enough to send the Oceania champions through to football’s biggest stage – a feat they have not achieved since 1982.President Temarii says it is a momentous occasion for New Zealand and for Oceania football.“Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup™ is a moment to be savoured. It…

Striker Rory Fallon headed home the only goal of the game on the stroke of half-time, while goalkeeper Mark Paston also saved a penalty to see the All Whites through to South Africa.In front of a capacity crowd at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium on Saturday night, New Zealand repeated the efforts of the national team of…

The New Zealand capital will play host to a match that will provide a new chapter in the annals of either New Zealand or Bahrain football.For New Zealand, a win at the sold-out Westpac Stadium will mark the All Whites’s return to the global showpiece for the first time in 28 years since their FIFA…

After three very public trainings at Endeavour Park in Whitby, New Zealand secreted themselves away to the slightly more secluded Newtown Park to run through set pieces.At the same time as Bahrain’s private jet full of players, management and fans were touching down from the warmer climes of Sydney, the All Whites took turns at…