ADELAIDE: A late second half goal from Fijian striker Veresa Toma has ended Vanuatu’s World Cup qualifying hopes in the final match of round two at Hindmarsh Stadium tonight.
Toma’s goal was enough for Fiji to avenge its humiliating 0-3 loss to Vanuatu in the Stage 1 qualifiers in Apia two weeks earlier.
Toma had received the ball in front of goal outside the box but almost bombed the chance at point blank range but luckily for him, Vanuatu captain and goalkeeper David Chilia had dove in the wrong direction.
It was a bitter blow for the Vanuatu team who were gaining in confidence with more possession coming their way in the second half. The Fijians had controlled much of the first half through their sheer physical approach which upset the Vanuatu pattern.
Vanuatu struggled to get into any rhythm in the face of Fiji’s suffocating man on man defence. Fiji had the better of the scoring chances but were unable to finish from prime positions.
In the end, Vanuatu made a late flurry but was unable to get the equaliser going down 1-0 to their Melanesian rival.
Round 2: Match 6 – 31 May 2004, 8:00pm
Fiji vs Vanuatu
Full-time score: 1-0 Fiji
Half-time score: 0-0 draw
Goal-scorers: Fiji – (10) Veresa Toma 73′
Cautions: Fiji – (10) Veresa Toma 19′; (16) Viliame Toma 42′; Van – (13) Richard Iwai 45′
Expulsions: none
Crowd Attendance: 500+
Weather: Overcast
Venue: Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide
Match Officials:
Match Commissioner: Lee Harmon (Cook Islands)
Referee Inspector: Ken Wallace (New Zealand)
Referee: Charles Ariiotima (Tahiti)
Assistant Referee 1: Michel Angot (Tahiti)
Assistant Referee 2: Claudio Puglisi (Italy)
Fourth Official: Stefano Farina (Italy)
Team Lists (& Substitutions)
FIJI
23. Laisenia Tuba RGK
2. Lorima Dau
7. Malakai Kainihewe
9. Thomas Vulivuli
10. Veresa Toma
12. Esala Masinisau (c) (-82′)
13. Taniela Waqa
15. Salesh Kumar
16. Viliame Toma (-46′)
17. Seveci Rokotakala
18. Laisiasa Gataurua
Subs
1. Simione Tamanisau RGK
4. Alvin Avinesh
5. Emosi Baleinuku (+82′)
6. Jone Vesikula
11. Luke Vidovi (+46′)
19. Ovini Duguca
21. Pene Erenio
22. Waisake Sabuto
Coach: Tony Buesnel
VANUATU
1. David Chilia (c) GK
2. Geoffrey Lego Lete (-82′)
4. Lexa Bule Bibi
6. Graham Demas
7. Fedy Vava
9. Seimata Chilia
10. Etienne Mermer
11. Moise Poida (-87′)
12. Lorry Thompsen
13. Richard Iwai (-46′)
15. Daniel Koko Alick
Subs:
3. Manley Junior Tabe
5. Wilkins Simon Lauru
8. Joe Iautu Ture
14. Pita David Maki
16. Alphose Qorig (+82′)
17. Jean Emmanuel Maleb (+46′)
18. Maki Gerard Haitong
19. Roger Joe (+87′)
20. Charly Kalsanei RGK
21. Tom Manses
Coach: Juan Carlos Buzzetti