OFC FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIP 2009 – FINALS DAY PREVIEW

Team Fiji believe they have a few tricks up their sleeve that could see them trip up the high flying Solomon Kurukuru in Friday night’s final of the OFC Futsal Championship in Suva.

The final kicks off at 8:00pm (local time) at Vodafone Arena and follows the 3rd/4th place playoff between New Caledonia and Vanuatu from 6:00pm (local time).

On paper the odds look heavily stacked against Fiji as they nurse an injury plagued roster with at least one key player ruled out of the final. Recent form favours the Solomon Kurukuru after they beat the hosts 5-3 on Tuesday night, with two of Fiji’s goals coming in the last five minutes.

But Fijian coach Imtiaz Khan says he has seen cracks in the Solomons style of play.

"I have noticed some things about the way they play and I have some ideas. I want my boys to play with patience and good defence and then the goals will come. Last year was a bad loss for us against the Solomons but this week it was just two goals difference,” said Khan.

The Fiji squad is somewhat depleted with livewire Joseph Mishra ruled out with a broken bone in his shoulder while Mira Sahib is nursing knee and ankle complaints and is rated only a 50/50 proposition to play.

Conversely, the defending champions have sustained no injuries of note during their unbeaten run at the championship. The Solomon Kurukuru have been in prolific goal scoring form, hitting the net no less than 24 times whilst conceding only six. Micah Lea’alafa has been an unstoppable force as their target player and leads all scorers in his quest to be golden boot with seven goals. Next best is Jack Wetney with five, closely followed by captain Elliot Ragomo on four.

Fijian captain Kamal Hassan, who also has four goals, is well aware that his team will need to put in a massive defensive effort.  

"Defense is a priority for us. If we defend well then we will score on the counter attack."

Solomon Islands assistant coach Jerry Sam says his team have plenty of respect for their Fijian opponents and are looking forward to a carnival atmosphere at Vodafone Arena. 

"It’s going to be a huge match. They are the host nation, our last game was tough with them and lots of Fijian fans will come to support them. The main thing is sticking to our tactics, using our brains on the court and thinking about what we are doing."

In tonight’s other match, Vanuatu and New Caledonia will be playing for experience and pride.

Vanuatu coach Marco Herrominly stressed that he has brought an inexperienced side and that he is aiming to build depth over the next three years with a view to the next FIFA Futsal World Cup in 2012.

For New Caledonia coach Eric Michalak, finishing on a high is the main priority.

"To win and finish on a good note is vital and also this is important for the future of my team. This is a new group we have together and to finish with a win will help the confidence.”

OFC Futsal Championship Fiji 2009 – Finals Day Preview

3rd/4th Place Play-off 

New Caledonia vs. Vanuatu

Date: Friday 10 July

Venue: Vodafone Arena, Suva

Time: 18h00 (Local time)

Final

Fiji vs. Solomon Islands

Date: Friday 10 July

Venue: Vodafone Arena, Suva

Time: 20h00 (Local time)

Standings – Group Stage

Golden Boot

7 – Micah LEA’ALAFA (SOL)

5 – Jack WETNEY (SOL)

4 – Kamal HASSAN (FIJ)

4 – Elliot RAGOMO (SOL)

3 – James EGETA (SOL)

3 – Ismael TCHOVAMILI (NCL)

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