The Solomon Islands grabbed a well-deserved win over the Netherlands in their opening FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup match, but there is still a long way to go according to opening scorer Joe Luwi.
Luwi, one of the squad’s more experienced members, opened the scoring in the third period of the Bilikiki’s 2-0 victory when he sent the ball flying between two defenders before it took a lucky bounce over the Netherlands keeper and into the back of the net.
Known as a bit of a joker among his teammates, Luwi is always having them on about being the first to score and for once his prediction came true. While excited to have helped his side to an opening victory he says he won’t be satisfied until they’ve qualified for the next stage.
“I have been with the team to the World Cup many times but we have always been relegated to the bottom of our group in the past,” Luwi says.
“In this World Cup I am constantly thinking about reaching the second stage and only that will satisfy me.”
Solomon Islands play Argentina this evening and the side is concentrating on earning another victory to help them in their quest to exit the group.
“My goal gives me the encouragement but I am not satisfied until we achieve our objective for this competition,” says Luwi. “It was a great feeling to score but at this moment it is only a consolation – we are yet to reach our goal.
“Right now I am focussed on the next match and that is against Argentina. We must not let our guard down,” says Luwi.
“There is still two games ahead and for me I treat every game as a final,” Luwi says. “I don’t want to let anyone down.”
Solomon Islands play CONMEBOL champions Argentina in their Group B clash while fellow Oceania side Tahiti will take on USA in Group A.

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