Courtesy: Solomon Star News


Kurukuru soar above Kiwis

Tuesday, 10 August 2010

SOLOMON Islands Kurukuru had to come back from a goal down at half time to thump rivals New Zealand Futsal Whites 8-4 last night.

The defending champions were down 3-2 at half time but managed to come back strongly in the second stanza to deliver a classical performance to beat the Kiwis.

Kurukuru’s victory put them at the top of the table in the OFC Futsal Championship after another stunning performance on Match Day 3.

Micah Lea’alafa, Jack Wetney and Elliot Ragomo were the icing of the cake yesterday after they displayed maturity against their bigger Kiwi opponents.

The reigning champions managed to see off a spirited effort from New Zealand to win 8-4 and sit above Vanuatu on goal difference.

Tahiti meanwhile helped their chances with a 4-0 victory over Tuvalu to go second equal with hosts Fiji who have a game in hand after their bye today.

New Zealand, New Caledonia and Tuvalu meanwhile are yet to pick up their first point in the tournament.

But the Futsal Whites will take plenty of heart from today's performance having closed out the first period leading 3-2.

"I’m very pleased," says New Zealand coach Matt Chandler. "We’re a team that’s been together seven weeks and they’ve been through a world cup.

"We went out strong and actually won the first half so I’m delighted with 50% of the game. But in the second half they really showed their class and were superior to us.

"But it’s great for us now, we know what we’ve got to do next year and I think we’ve got a great chance to give them a good game."

Kurukuru head coach Dickson Kadau admits it was a tough challenge.

"The boys all young so they are not mature enough to control the whole game. They put the pressure on us and we lost our game plan in the first half. Our strategy in the second half was more mental. I told them to use their heads and play smart. That's what we did and the boys are confident now for the rest of the tournament."

Kurukuru’s next match will be against Vanuatu tomorrow.


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