APIA: Fiji took a step closer towards confirming its place in the Stage 2 qualifiers with an emphatic 11-0 drubbing of American Samoa in Group 2 round 3 action in Apia on the weekend.
Fiji led 7-0 at half-time and was rarely troubled by a determined American Samoan side. American Samoa’s best were the ever present sweeper Ramin Ott and enterprising replacing right midfielder Johnny Saelua who almost brought the house down with his jinking solo run which started from the halfway line and ended up a clear shot on goal which escaped the outstretched hands of Fijian goalkeeper Pene Erenio but drifted wide of the far side post.
Tall striker Veresa Toma racked up a hat-trick of goals using his physical presence to maximum effect.
In the other Group 2 round 3 match, Vanuatu capitalised on some elementary errors by Samoa to earn a hard fought 3-0 win over the Group hosts. Vanuatu led 1-0 at half-time, scoring two further goals in the space of two minutes in the second stanza to finish comfortable winners.
Midfield general Seimata Chillia proved to be the architect of Vanuatu’s victory directing play and coordinating attacks which had the Samoan defence stretched. His pinpoint passes freed up striker Etienne Mermer and Jean Maleb. He also collected a well taken goal himself. It was a changed performance after his quiet display against PNG.
For Samoa, veteran striker Junior Michael who started in the midfield relished the challenge to move into his usual position after Tama Fasavalu limped off injured. Fasavalu looked dangerous in the first half as the lone target man for Samoa and his absence in the second half proved vital as Samoa consistently ruined clear chances to score.
Round 3 Review – 15 May 2004
Match 5: Fiji vs American Samoa
Full-time score: 11-0 Fiji
Half-time score: 7-0 Fiji
Goal-scorers:
Fiji – (10) Veresa Toma 7′, 11′, 16′; (9) Thomas Vulivuli 24′; (17) Seveci Rokotakala 32′, 38′; (22) Waisake Sabutu 45+, 81′; (12) Esala Masinisau 60′; (18) Laisiasa Gataurua 75′, 77′;
Cautions: Fiji – (18) Laisiasa Gataurua 90+
Expulsions: none
Weather: Fine
Crowd Attendance: 150
Match Officials
Referee: Neil Fox (New Zealand)
Assistant Referee 1: Neil Poloso (Solomon Islands)
Assistant Referee 2: Teariki Goodwin (Cook Islands)
Fourth Official: Michael Afu (Solomon Islands)
Match Commissioner: Bob Patterson (New Zealand)
Referee Inspector: Barry Such (Australia)
Team Lists (& Substitutions)
FIJI
21 Pene Erenio GK
2 Lorima Dau
3 Nikola Raoma
7 Stephen Morrel
9 Thomas Vulivuli
10 Veresa Toma (-65′)
12 Esala Masinisau (c) (-81′)
16 Viliame Toma (-63′)
17 Seveci Rokotakala
22 Waisake Sabutu
23 Shamal Kumar
Subs:
1 Simione Tamanisau GK
4 Alvin Avinesh
5 Emosi Baleinuku
8 Malakai Kainihewe
13 Taniela Waqa
14 Lagi Dyer (+63′)
15 Maika Waqa (+81′)
18 Laisiasa Gataurua (+65′)
Coach: Tony Buesnel
AMERICAN SAMOA
1 Nicky Salapu (c) GK
3 Maika Molesi
4 Pati Sinapati (-30′)
5 Uasi Heleta
6 Ace Lepou
8 Viliamu Vaofanua
9 Ramin Ott
11 Vaueli Nuusila (-42′)
16 Tanu Junior Tanu (-82′)
17 Savaliga Afu
18 Duane Atuelevao
Subs:
22 Iapesa Fanolua
2 Ben Segaiga (+42′)
10 Willie Fa’ataualofa
12 Filimaua Fatu
13 Geoffrey Sua (+82′)
14 Johnny Saelua (+30′)
19 Roy Ameperosa
Coach: Ian Crook
Round 3 Review – 15 May 2004
Match 6: Samoa vs Vanuatu
Full-time score: 0-3 Vanuatu
Half-time score: 0-1 Vanuatu
Goal-scorers:
Van – (10) Etienne Mermer 13′; (9) Seimata Chillia 55′; (17) Jean Maleb 57′
Cautions: Sam – (5) Edwin Tyrell 84′
Expulsions: none
Weather: Fine
Crowd Attendance: 500
Match Officials
Referee: Matthew Breeze (Australia)
Assistant Referee 1: David Sau (Solomon Islands)
Assistant Referee 2: Michel Angot (Tahiti)
Fourth Official: Constantinos Diomis (Australia)
Match Commissioner: Bob Patterson (New Zealand)
Referee Inspector: Barry Such (Australia)
Team Lists (& Substitutions)
SAMOA
1 Moresi Tokuma GK
4 Dennis Bryce
5 Edwin Tyrell
6 Tama Fasavalu (-48′)
7 Junior Michael
12 Lionel Taylor (-65′)
14 Pualele Lemana (C)
15 Sakaria Fuimaono
17 Tofi Tumua
18 Peko Victor (-77′)
19 Setefano Pesa
Subs:
20 Fatuvalu Numia
2 Afasene Tusitala
3 Amby Asafo (+48′)
8 Iosefa Maposua (+77′)
9 Iosefo Ioane
10 Jerome Taua
11 Lene Epa
13 Otto Hunt
16 Sio Togamoa (+65′)
Coach: David Brand
VANUATU
1 David Chilia (c) GK
2 Geoffrey Lego Gete
4 Lexa Bule Bibi
5 Wilkins Simon Lauru
8 Turei Joe Iautu (-16′)
9 Seimata Chillia
10 Etienne Mermer
11 Moise Poida
15 Daniel Koko Alick
17 Jean Emmanuel Maleb (-75′)
19 Roger Joe
Subs:
3 Manley Junior Tabe (+16′) (-41′)
6 Graham Demas (+41′)
7 Fedy Vava
12 Lorry Thompsen
13 Richard Iwai
14 Pita David Maki (+75′)
16 Alphose Qorig
18 Maki Gerard Haitong
20 Charly Kalsanei
Coach: Juan Carlos Buzzetti