Courtesy: Fiji Times


Tuvaluans fall apart

by Amit Raj

Thursday, August 12, 2010

FIJI overcame a slow start to defeat a spirited Tuvalu side 5-1 in its second match of the Oceania Football Confederation Futsal Championship on Tuesday night.

It was a horror start for the home boys as they fell behind to an early goal in the sixth minute by Ola Eliu, who scored with a deadly left foot strike.

Fiji was lucky to be down by just one at halftime with defender Malauna Takatea missing an easy chance which could have doubled Tuvalu's lead.

Goalkeeper Siopepa Tailolo stood out in the opening half with remarkable reflex saves as the visitors threatened to create the championship's biggest upset.

In the second half, Tuvalu refused to give up until the floodgates opened in the final quarter that saw Fiji captain Kamal Hassan score a hat-trick with the other goals coming from Simione Vesa and vice-captain Petero Dauniseka.

National team manager Krishneil Sharma said Fiji was unlucky not to score in the first half.

"The boys slightly underestimated the strength of Tuvalu," Sharma said.

"Upon halftime, we managed to reorganise the group.

"Tuvalu played a lot of disturbing Futsal. However, we never stopped trying in the game but Tuvalu goalkeeper was outstanding as well.

"The boys are more serious now after playing Tuvalu. We told them before that no team can be underestimated and they've released that again."

Earlier, Fiji defeated Tahiti 2-0 while Tuvalu had lost to Vanuatu (7-1) and Tahiti (4-0).

Match day five draws

4.30pm, New Zealand - Fiji
6.30, Tahiti Nui - Solomon Islands
8.30, New Caledonia - Tuvalu


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