PORT VILA – Vanuatu and New Caledonia fought out a 1-1 stalemate in Port Vila at the weekend as both nations sought to bolster their respective 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™/OFC Nations Cup 2008 campaigns.
The draw preserved New Caledonia’s unbeaten record but heaps pressure on coach Didier Chambaron and his team with two matches to play against New Zealand where nothing less than six points will keep their World Cup hopes alive.
New Zealand has three wins from three matches and one more victory will be enough to propel Ricki Herbert’s charges into a two-legged play-off with the fifth placed team in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for a place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ and FIFA Confederations Cup – South Africa 2009 as winners of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Nations Cup 2008.
Vanuatu remain winless after three matches but the draw is enough to lift them one spot in the table above Fiji.
www.oceaniafootball.com is pleased to bring you the best of the action courtesy of photographer Alain Vartane – email: [email protected]
New Caledonia skipper Pierre Wajoka runs into a Vanuatu midfield sandwich
The crowd fills the main stand at Port Vila Municipal Stadium
New Caledonia on the ball as Vanuatu playmaker Moise Poida watches on
Patrick Diaike of New Caledonia takes the ball under control
Vanuatu midfield ace Francois Sakama seeks a way past Pierre Wajoka
Ramon Djamalji wheels away in delight as New Caledonia go 1-0 up on 75 minutes
Vanuatu chase the match deseperate for an equaliser to keep its slim World Cup hopes alive
Etienne Mermer celebrates with his team-mates following his 77th minute leveller
The final whistle sounds leaving Vanuatu and New Caledonia’s World Cup dreams fading