Photo Credit: OFC Media via Kirk Corrie
Rob Sherman’s Fiji side got their FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania Qualifiers campaign off to the perfect start at home last month, with a 1-0 victory over Solomon Islands.
Roy Krishna’s strike was enough to secure the three points and ensure that one win from their two matches in Port Moresby should be enough to seal their place in next year’s semi-finals.
They face the challenge of Papua New Guinea first up, with a partisan home crowd sure to be out in force at the PNG Football Stadium, before taking on the other side in the group who won their opening match, New Caledonia.
Tevita Waranaivalu was an influential figure in that opening day victory over Solomon Islands and is confident his side can build on a positive start when qualifying resumes.
“We had a break after the game in Fiji and have just assembled back in camp for the past two weeks. The preparation has been going well, with a strong focus on the tactical and technical elements of the game,” he said.
The 1-0 win last month in Suva was a hard-fought encounter, so the opportunity to pick up three early points was a real boost for Waranaivalu and his teammates.
“With this qualification format, every match is vital and it is crucial to pick up maximum points from every game possible. It was a tough encounter against Solomon Islands especially being a man down early in the game but the boys showed strong determination and resilience to get the job done.”
Having enjoyed home advantage for the first group match, there will be a fresh challenge for Fiji, when they take on Papua New Guinea in front of a loud and proud local support.
“It is always great to play in front of our own family and friends so the home advantage does give a level of boost for the team.
“However, we expect a tough challenge in Papua New Guinea, especially playing the hosts in front of their home crowd – we will need to bring our A-game. The humidity will be another factor so we need to adapt very quickly to the environment in Port Moresby,” Waranaivalu said.
FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania Qualifiers
Group A
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (kick-off times local)
Thursday, November 14
Solomon Islands v New Caledonia, 1:00pm
Papua New Guinea v Fiji, 4:00pm
Sunday, November 17
Fiji v New Caledonia, 1:00pm
Papua New Guinea v Solomon Islands, 4:00pm