The tournament is down to the business end come Wednesday, with the big names needing to stand up and be counted if their country is to progress any further.
Victory in the women’s tournament means a coveted shot at New Zealand for the right to represent Oceania at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
OFC Media is excited to provide our picks of the tournament so far, from those who remain –
FIJI
Asena Reba RATU:
The experienced midfielder is the heart and soul of the Fijian team, using her infectious enthusiasm, energy, and exceptionally high work rate to spur her comrades along. Ratu has been the driving
force behind Fiji’s comprehensive results thus far, and will again look to run herself into the ground against Tonga.
Adiela KURIKABA:
Single-handedly put paid to the Solomon Islands’ semi-final hopes with a dominant hat-trick in a fixture that could have easily caught Fiji out. Has a distinct, direct style of play – backing
herself to beat a defender one on one, and always keen to have a shot on goal.
Unaisi MOCE:
A valuable and rare naturally left-sided player who truly covers box-to-box. A potent threat in joining attacks created by Ratu, and supplying the eager Kurikaba.
TONGA
Penateti FEKE:
The inspirational Feke was perhaps the sole point of concern that kept Samoa from pouring everything forward in their ‘winner-progresses’ Group B fixture on Monday night. Feke is
blindingly fast, has the strength to repel any defender at will, and the skills that can set any fixture alight.
Mele LIKILIKI:
On the rare occasion that any pretending attacker sneaks through the miserly Tongan defence, Likiliki is continually on hand to literally demolish anything in her path. Has assumed the captaincy
for the South Pacific Games, with her aggresive style and vocal support noticably permeating through her squad.
Sala VEAMATAHAU:
The ambitious Veamatahau was a prominent figure in the match against Samoa, making several key interventions at both ends of the field. Not afraid to shoot on sight, the tall defensive midfielder
could well decide the game if Fiji fail to mark her closely.
TAHITI
Yakeula is a colossus at the back for Tahiti, with her dominant and uncompromising style of play. Not only is she strong in the tackle, but also possesses skills to run the ball from defence and
release dangerous through balls for her impressive attacking counterparts.
Maima MARMOUYET:
The main creative architect of Tahiti’s expansive attacking play, Marmouyet is not averse to swinging an attempt at goal from the dead ball or open play. Exhibits a full array of tricks on both
feet, and has a tidy passing game to boot.
Gloria HAUATA:
Electric striker that is the focal point of most Tahitian attacks, and works very well in tandem with Tania Bonnefin. The pacey Hauata has the ability to shoot off both feet – especially
keen to hit the ball on the volley with her right.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Daisy WINAS:
Arguably the most talented player at the tournament. Winas is fast, skilful, and unselfish – and should have a massive future in the game.
Lydia BANABAS:
The energetic Banabas sits at the top of the Papua New Guinean midfield, joining in on all aspects of play. Has the uncanny ability to pop up at almost every loose ball, reading the game as though
it were to a script.
Tracey KIG:
A perfect complement to Winas and Banabas, Kig is an aggressive, front-running goalpoacher with dec
eptive pace and strength. Comfortable with the ball at her feet, and intelligent enough to hold
the ball when required.