The curtain will come down on Vanuatu’s 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifying series tomorrow when they host Fiji at Municipal Stadium, Port Vila.
A campaign that began so promisingly for Vanuatu, with a near-miss against New Zealand in the opening game, has ended in disappointment. Vanuatu have only a single point, from a draw against New Caledonia in June, to show for their efforts. A home match against Fiji represents the perfect opportunity for Aad de Mos’s men to re-establish their credentials in the region.
Fiji, for their part, will be without New Zealand-based midfielder Salesh Kumar, who scored their opening goal against Vanuatu on Saturday. The Auckland City man, however, is confident that his team can overcome Vanuatu again in his absence.
"If we can continue playing as a team, then surely the boys will win in Vanuatu," said Kumar, who was impressed by the contributions of the younger players on Saturday.
"They did well considering that playing at national level is new to them. It’s a big transition to go from district level to playing for the national team, and I’m sure with more games they’ll be able to find their feet."
Match details
Vanuatu vs. Fiji
Wednesday 10 September
14H00 (Local time) (15H00 FIJT)
Municipal Stadium
Port Vila, Vanuatu
2010 FIFA WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA ™ QUALIFIERS STANDINGS
| PL |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
GD |
PTS |
||
| 1. |
New Zealand |
4 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
11 |
4 |
+7 |
12 |
| 2. |
New Caledonia |
5 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
12 |
7 |
+5 |
8 |
| 4. |
Fiji |
4 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
5 |
9 |
-4 |
4 |
| 3. |
Vanuatu |
5 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
3 |
12 |
-9 |
1 |
2010 FIFA WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA ™ QUALIFIERS
2008 OFC NATIONS CUP
FIJI 2 (S.Kumar, Dunadamu) vs. VANUATU 0
15H00 (FIJ T) – 6 September 2008
Govind Park – Ba – Fiji
FIJ (from) 1. Benaminio MATEINAQARA [gk]; 2. Manueli KALOU; 3. Taniela Evo WAQA; 4. Alvin SINGH; 5. Esava NAQELECA; 6. Samuela Vuluma VULA; 7. Rajnil Ritesh CHAND; 8. Ronil KUMAR; 9. Pita BALEITOGA; 10. Roy KRISHNA; 11. Tuimasi MANUCA; 12. Henry DYER; 13. Maciu DUNADAMU; 14. Monit Vikash CHAND; 16. Malakai TIWA [c]; 17. Malakai KAINIHEWE. 20. Boletawa FILIMONE [gk].
Coach: Juan Carlos BUZZETTI
Injured: Simione TAMANISAU [gk].
Suspended: Osea VAKATALESAU.
Not Available: Peni FINAU; Alvin AVINESH; Shivan SAMI; 15. Salesh KUMAR
VAN: 1. John Presley GARAE [gk]; 2. Samson OBED; 4. Peter Shem TOA; 5. Roger JOE; 6. Fedy VAVA; 7. Moise POIDA; 8. Pita David MAKI; 9. Jean Nako NAPRAPOL ;10. Seimata CHILIA; 11. Jean Robert YELOU; 12. Joseph NAMARAIU; 13. Francois SAKAMA; 14. Jeffrey NIMANIAN; 15. Michell KAITAK; 17. Geoffrey Lego GETE; 18. Robert TOM; 19. Derek MALAS; 20. Chikau MANSALE [gk]
Coach: William MALAS
Referee: O’LEARY Peter (NZL)
Assistant Referee 1: BEST Brent Charles (NZL)
Assistant Referee 2: TARO Matthew (SOL)
Fourth Official: HESTER Michael (NZL)