Courtesy: New Zealand FA Web Site


New Zealand given futsal benchmark by Solomon Islands

AUCKLAND – The New Zealand futsal team have a clear idea of the level they need to reach to win next year’s World cup qualifying tournament after succumbing to reigning champions Solomon Islands 4-8 in the OFC Futsal Championship in Suva, Fiji on Monday night.

The Futsal Whites made the perfect start when Wellington’s Micky Malivuk gave them a 5th minute lead but soon found themselves behind thanks to goals from Micah Lea’alafa and Jenan Kapu.

But the reintroduction of Malivuk again caused problems for the Kurukuru, with the Capital City Futsal target man completing a first half hat trick to give New Zealand a 3-2 lead at the end of the first 20 minute half.

Lea’alafa drew the Solomons level within seconds of the restart kick-starting a devastating four goal scoring spree from the champions that he finished himself with another two goals in the 29th minute.

Futsal Whites captain Marvin Eakins found himself unmarked on the edge of the ‘D’ and cut the deficit to two with 10 minute left to play but a late double from Elliot Ragomo inflated the final margin to four.

New Zealand coach Matt Chandler was pleased with the way his side started not only the match but also the campaign to qualify for the 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Thailand via qualifiers next year.

“We always knew it was going to be difficult against a team like the Solomon Islands,” Chandler said.

“We’ve been together for a few weeks so far and the Solomon Islands have already been to a World Cup and train twice a day.”

“I was pleased we started so well and won the first half. Our fitness told but once that improves and we can defend tactically like we did in the first half for the whole game, we’ll have a great chance.”

New Zealand’s next game is 6.30pm on Tuesday against Vanuatu, who share the jointly lead the seven team standings with the Solomon Islands.

All games from the OFC Futsal Championships will be streamed live on www.oceaniafootball.com.

2010 OFC Futsal Championships
Vodafone Arena, Suva, Fiji

New Zealand 4 (Micky Malivuk 5’ 13’, 14; Marvin Eakins 30’)
Solomon Islands 8 (Micah LEA'ALAFA 5’, 21’, 29’, 29’; Jenan KAPU 11’, Jack WETNEY 26', Elliot RAGOMO 36, 38’)
Halftime 3-2

New Zealand squad: Elias Billeh (GK), Clayton Chapell (GK), Tariq Assad, Marvin Eakins, Miro Major, Dylan Manickum, Lucas Da Silva, Miroslav Malivuk, Said Solimanpour, Issac O’Hara, Khalid Razouk, Brayden Lissington
Coach: Matt Chandler

Schedule
New Zealand v Vanuatu –Aug 10, 6.30pm
New Zealand v Tahiti – Aug 11, 4.30pm
New Zealand v Fiji – Aug 12, 4.30pm
New Zealand v Tuvalu – Aug 13, 6.30pm
New Zealand v New Caledonia – Aug 14, 8.30pm


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