Courtesy: Fiji Live


Solo-Vanuatu clash fueled by rivalry

July 08, 2009

Day three of the Oceania Football Confederation FUTSAL Championship is expected to set the fireworks when arch-rivals Solomon Islands and Vanuatu face of in what is dubbed to be a fast paced, frantic match.

While the Solomon Islanders have proven to be a class above the rest in the championship, the going may get tough against their Melanesian neighbours.

Vanuatu has a history of recording good performances against the Solomons.

In fact, Vanuatu was the only nation to beat the Kurukuru’s 5-1 in the FUTSAL World Cup Qualifiers in Suva last year.

But Vanuatu failed to progress to the World Cup after its shock loss in an important last pool play clash to Tahiti later in the qualifier.

Despite losing their opening two matches to Fiji and New Caledonia, the Marco Herrominly coached side will be out to better their record tonight by registering a win and upsetting the favorites.

Experienced players like goalkeeper Daniel Mansale, Lui Sifas, Junior Malas, Ben Edward and captain Vira Jack Ala are expected to start off for the boys in gold and black while the Kurukuru’s will be spearheaded by their sensational captain Elliot Ragomo.

Brilliant finisher Micah Lea’alafa, Jenan Kapu, Stanley Puairana and keeper Alick Lioka are tipped to be the other starters while coach Dickson Kadau will use Jack Wetney, James Egeta, Francis Lafai and Philip Houtarau from the bench when pressure mounts on his young brigade.

The much anticipated clash kicks off at 6pm.







Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com