Oceaniafootball.com checks out how the teams are looking ahead of their first matches:
Tuvalu vs Vanuatu
This will be a stern test of Tuvalu’s talent. Coach Toakai Puapua’s side has only appeared at the OFC championship once before in 2008 and found the going tough, posting some heavy defeats and finishing seventh. They will be aware the top-three placings are probably out of their reach and an improvement on their performance two years ago is likely to be seen as a success. Forward Paitela Kelemne, top scorer during the 2008 campaign, will need to be in sharp-shooting form but it will not be easy against a Vanuatu team packed with experience. Most of the players have lined-up together many times before – there are six veterans from the 2008 and 2009 campaigns – so they are likely to be a well-drilled outfit. Coach Marcellino Barthelemy’s team have been remarkably consistent in this tournament – they have come third in each of the last five championships – and will have their sights set on another high placing. Anything less than a resounding win against Tuvalu, the underdogs of the event, would therefore be a disappointing start.
Solomon Islands vs New Caledonia
This is shaping up to be an intriguing encounter. Solomon Islands, known as the Kurukuru, are heavy favourites to win their third championship in a row and go into the New Caledonia clash with the high expectations of their football-mad nation on their shoulders. Whether they can handle the pressure and perform to their ability will be a key factor in the outcome. If they do play to their potential, the Kurukuru are likely to have too much talent for New Caledonia to contain. Inspirational captain Elliot Ragomo is a specialist futsal player and is widely regarded to be the most talented exponent of the game in Oceania. The New Caledonia defence will have their hands full trying to handle his skill and pace but must also contend with exciting forward Jack Wetney. New Caledonia do have plenty of experience to draw on and coach Eric Michalak has seen it all before after being at the helm for the previous two campaigns. But facing the defending champions first up is a challenge of the highest order and a win would be a major upset. Striker Ismael Tchovanili is the player most likely to ruffle the net for Michalak’s side.
Fiji vs Tahiti
Fiji are another team entering the tournament under pressure to perform. They are seen by many as the side most likely to mount a serious challenge to end the dominance of Solomon Islands and will also be wary of impressing their home crowd. Many in the stands will be coming to see the fast feet of New Zealand-based striker Roy Krishna, whose selection is an intriging prospect. He is not a recognised futsal player and has little history in the sport but is one of the best footballers in the Oceania region and surely has enough talent to also be a success on the court. If he can link up well with captain and fellow full Fijian international Kamal Hassan, the Fiji attack is likely to be very hard to defend against. Tahiti defenders Teivari Kaiha, Alexis Toofa and Teva Durot will attempt to control the lethal pair but do not have the advantage of a wealth of experience. Midfielder Lysis Tauha is the only player who took part in the 2008 event, Tahiti’s last taste of OFC futsal action. Tahiti will also have to contend with the fact that the majority of the Vodafone Arena crowd will be backing Fiji. Those fans will be fully expecting a home win, as will Fiji coach Hussein Sahib and his charges.
All games will be streamed LIVE online. Stay tuned to oeaniafootball.com for further details.
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