“It is a dream come true for the players to now be part of the World Cup Family. We are all filled with joy and excitement.”
Those were the emotional words of Solomon Island Coach Victor Wai’ia today, after his side won their first OFC Futsal Championship and with it a place at the 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil in September.
The Solomon Island team only needed a win against Tuvalu in their final game to clinch the title after Vanuatu had fallen 2-1 to Tahiti in the day’s earlier match.
They did it in style with a 12-0 win which brought emotional scenes from the young squad.
Micah Lea’alafa led the way with four goals while Elliot Ragomo, Jack Wetney and Francis Lafai scored two each. James Egeta and Alfred Punguika completed the win with late goals.
Wai’ia thanked all the teams at the tournament for a great tournament that he said will help their progress in rasing the bar to the next level.
“The loss against Vanuatu has inspired us to work harder. The level at the World Cup will be a lot higher than what we’ve been playing at so our training and planning from now will be very important.”
Wai’ia acknowledged the terrific crowd support his team received in Suva.
“The crowd here was great but also the support from back home helped us a lot. They have all been praying for us and I thank god for the strength he has given our side.”
“I think there will be a big crowd at the airport to welcome us home.”
“This team has achieved our original plan and I am so happy.”
OFC FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL STANDINGS
|
|
PL |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
GD |
PTS |
| SOL |
6 |
5 |
0 |
1 |
41 |
19 |
+22 |
15 |
| TAH |
6 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
21 |
12 |
+9 |
13 |
| VAN |
6 |
4 |
0 |
2 |
29 |
8 |
+21 |
12 |
| NZL |
6 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
22 |
16 |
+6 |
9 |
| FIJ |
6 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
31 |
31 |
0 |
9 |
| NCL |
6 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
22 |
30 |
-8 |
4 |
| TUV |
6 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
7 |
57 |
-50 |
0 |
OFC FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIP FIJI 2008
SOLOMON ISLANDs vs TUVALU
VODAFONE ARENA
SUVA
FIJI
SATURDAY 14 JUNE
SOL: 1. Alick LIOKA; 3. Elliot RAGOMO; 7. James EGETA; 9. Micah LEA’ALAFA; 12. Jack WETNEY.
SUBS: 2. Philip HOUTARAU; 4. Alfred PUNGUIKA; 5. Jenan KAPU; 6. Moffat SIKWA’AE; 8. Francis LAFAI; 11. Ron GINIO; 13. Stanley PUAIRANA (rgk)
COACH: Victor WAI’IA
TUV: 22. Starchel SOLOSENI; 2. Felo FEOTO; 5. Mau PENINSULA; 8. Peniuna KAITU; 11. Imo FIAMALUA.
SUBS: 3. Tioti Maati TOAFA; 6. Paitela KELEMENE; 17. Neemia ONOSEMU; 19. Mahaga TEIAPUTI; 21. Maio ETIMANI.
COACH: Sami NEEMIA (TUV)
REFEREE: Francois TROLLIARD (NCL)
2nd REFEREE: Chris COLLEY (AUS)
3rd REFEREE: Allan ALICK (VAN)
0′- Solomon Islands meet stern opposition from Tuvalu in the opening minutes
1′- GOAL! Elliot ROGOMU scores for Solomon Islands and are the Kurukuru on their way to Brazil? The fans at Vodafone Arena believe so!
2′- GOAL! Micah LEA’ALAFA scores and now its 2-0 to Solomon Islands
3′- Solomon Islands are in total control and with this advantage can afford to stroke the ball around
4′- The pressure appears to be off Solomon Islands in this match – the FIFA Futsal World Cup berth is all but theirs unless Tuvalu stage a highly unlikely rally
5′- Tuvalu has adopted a more defensive block strategy but with Solomon Islands already assured of top spot there appears to be no pressure to attack with intensity
6′- Tuvalu get forward occasionally but rarely shoot
7′- Solomon Islands nearly get caught on the break but Tuvalu cannot finish
9′- Jenan KAPU misses an easy chance!
10′- GOAL! Jack WETNEY makes it 3-0 to Solomon Islands
13′- This match has a strange air about it with qualification for Brazil a formality for Solomon Islands
14′- Tuvalu break one on one but Alick LIOKA makes a good save with his legs to keep the scoresheet blank for Tuvalu
15′- Solomon Islands call a time out
16′- Solomon Islands shoot wide
17′- Solomon Islands win a free kick Tuvalu defend bravely and clear the danger
17′- GOAL! Micah LEA’ALAFA makes it 4-0 to Solomon Islands
18′- James EGETA shoots fgrom long range and Starchel SOLOSENI makes a great save!
18′- The crowd gets in behind Tuvalu!
19′- GOAL! Micah LEA’ALAFA makes it 5-0 and the crowd begins its "GO SOLO GO!" chants
HALFTIME: SOL 5 TUV 0
21′- Solomon Islands go straight onto the attack through Jack WETLEY
21′- GOAL! Elliot RAGOMO scores to make it 6-0
21′- GOAL! Alfred PUNGUIKA makes it 7-0 to Solomon Islands
26′- GOAL! Jack WETLEY scores Solomon Islands eighth goal of the afternoon
29′- Time for some intrigue its a penalty for Solomon Islands and the crowd are cheering for him to save from James EGETA
30′- GOAL! As you can guess SOLOSENI can’t live up to the hopes of the crowd and EGETA scores!
30′- Solomon Islands are toying with Tuvalu as this match has lost much of its tension and drama
35′- GOAL! Micah LEA’ALAFA scores Solomon Islands tenth goal
37′- GOAL! Ron GINIO gets in on the act to make it 11-0
38′- GOAL! Francis LAFAI adds number twelve for Solomon Islands
FULLTIME: SOL 12 TUV 0
SOLOMON ISLANDS OFC FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS 2008
SOLOMON ISLANDS QUALIFY FOR THE FIFA FUTSAL WORLD CUP – BRAZIL 2008