That’s according to coach Marcellino Barthelemy, who says the team is still haunted by the disappointing results in 2009 when they managed just one win from four matches.
“Last year was catastrophic and we need to set the record straight,” says Barthelemy, who has been involved with the team for the previous two OFC tournaments.
“I trust the boys to represent the 220,000 people back home and to play with heart this time around.”
Vanuatu have finished third for the past five championships but a key victory against the Solomon Islands in 2008 suggests they can be contenders.
No other team has defeated the Solomon Islands in the past two years and the Kurukuru will once again be overwhelming favourites.
But for now Vanuatu have their sights firmly fixed on Tuvalu. In 2008 the two sides also met in the opening round with Vanuatu coming out 6-0 winners. Despite the gulf in experience of the two sides, Barthelemy believes Tuvalu will be no easy beats.
“We don’t want to underestimate Tuvalu. They have been training just the same as us and I respect the team.“
Barthelemy believes he has a good mix of young talent and experience in his squad to get through the gruelling schedule of six matches in seven days.
“I’ve brought with me three players from the U-17s so we have some new blood. They will learn what it’s like to play at this level and hopefully challenge the older ones.
“And of course we will use this tournament as preparation for the World Cup qualifiers next year.”
Vanuatu clash with Tuvalu at 5pm tomorrow before Solomon Islands and New Caledonia go head-to-head at 6:30pm and hosts Fiji square off against Tahiti at 8pm.
All games will be streamed LIVE online. Stay tuned to oeaniafootball.com for further details.
For full schedule and results click here
For official team lists click here