ADELAIDE, 6 June 2004: New Zealand has comfortably beaten Fiji 2-0 in their last match of the Stage 2 qualifiers at Hindmarsh Stadium. Needing a win to keep its playoff hopes alive, defender Che Bunce scored early for the All Whites with striker Vaughan Coveny again effective coming off the bench in the second half to winner.
With key striker Veresa Toma out through suspension for the crunch match, Fiji missed his presence up front as they battled hard to finish their tournament on a high note. Fiji went into the match with only pride on the line as their slim playoff chances had evaporated in round four after their loss to the Solomon Islands.
The result elevated New Zealand to nine points level with the Solomons. But the All Whites hold the advantage as they were ahead on goal difference meaning the Solomons needed at least a draw to advance to the playoffs against Australia in the final match tonight.
Round 5: Match 14 – 6 June 2004, 5:30pm
Fiji vs New Zealand
Full-time score: 0-2 New Zealand
Half-time score: 0-1 New Zealand
Goal-scorers: NZ – (5) Che Bunce 8′; (16) Vaughan Coveny 56′
Cautions: none
Expulsions: none
Crowd Attendance: 2,000+
Weather: Clear skies, cool
Venue: Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide
Match Officials:
Match Commissioner: Tautulu Roebeck
Referee Inspector: Yves Taga
Referee: Claus Bo Larsen (Denmark)
Assistant Referee 1: Bill Hansen (Denmark)
Assistant Referee 2: Nathan Gibson (Australia)
Fourth Official: Mark Shield (Australia)
Team Lists (& Substitutions)
FIJI
1. Simione Tamanisau GK
2. Lorima Dau
6. Jone Vesikula
7. Malakai Kainihewe (-33′)
9. Thomas Vulivuli (-81′)
12. Esala Masinisau (c) (-51′)
13. Taniela Waqa
15. Salesh Kumar
16. Viliame Toma
18. Laisiasa Gataurua
21. Pene Erenio
Subs
23. Laisenia Tuba RGK
4. Alvin Avinesh
5. Emosi Baleinuku
11. Luke Vidovi (+33′)
17. Seveci Rokotakala (+81′)
19. Ovini Duguca
22. Waisake Sabuto (+51′)
Coach: Tony Buesnel
NEW ZEALAND
1. Mark Paston GK
2. Duncan Oughton
4. Steven Old
5. Che Bunce
6. Tony Lochhead
7. Ivan Vicelich
8. Aaran Lines
13. Brent Fisher (-81′)
14. Ryan Nelsen (c)
15. Michael Wilson
17. Raffaele de Gregorio (-60′)
Subs
9. Noah Hickey
10. Timothy Brown
11. Leo Bertos (+60′)
12. Simon Elliot
16. Vaughan Coveny
18. Shane Smeltz
19. Neil Jones (+81′)
20. Andrew Boyens
21. Rupesh Puna
22. Glen Moss RGK
23. Tamati Williams
Coach: Mick Waitt