Courtesy:
New Zealand FA Web SiteNew Zealand beat Fiji in thriller12 August 2010Auckland - New Zealand continued to build momentum at the OFC Futsal Championships, winning a thrilling encounter with hosts Fiji 6-4 in Suva today.
After taking a three goal lead inside fifteen minutes, the Futsal Whites had to withstand an inspired comeback from the previously unbeaten hosts to lift themselves to equal top of the table.
Rejuvenated target Micky Malivuk got the Futsal Whites off to the perfect start, driving home Marvin Eakins’ cross from the byline after five minutes.Eighteen year old Dylan Manickum put New Zealand two up after fourteen minutes, with a cool finish moments after coming off the bench.
One minute later Miro Major continued his excellent form, setting up Malivuk to slot home from close range.
But it wasn’t all plain sailing for the Futsal Whites. Goalkeeper Elias Billeh pulled off two crucial saves in the first half, before being drawn from the area, allowing Sedrick Dutt to finish from a wide angle for Fiji.
An early second half strike by Roy Krishna rattled the Futsal Whites before Malivuk and Lucas Silva scored in quick succession.Petero Dauniseka and Jo Dugucagi ensured a tense finish with two well taken goals for Fiji, but Malivuk’s seventh goal of the tournament from a deflected free kick ensured three points for the Futsal Whites.
New Zealand now move equal top of table with Fiji and Solomon Islands but third on goal difference, with the Solomon Islands due to play Tahiti tonight.
Despite a few defensive errors, Futsal Whites coach Matt Chandler paid tribute to his ever-improving side.
“I thought our goals and the movement of all our players was excellent. Everyone contributed tonight.”
New Zealand’s next game is 6.30pm on Thursday against bottom of the table Tuvalu. All games from the OFC Futsal Championships are streamed live on www.oceaniafootball.com.
2010 OFC Futsal ChampionshipsVodafone Arena, Suva, Fiji
New Zealand 6 (Miroslav Malivuk 5, 15, 27, 35, Dylan Manickum 14, Lucas Da Silva 28)
Fiji 4 (Sedrick DUTT 18, Roy KRISHNA 24, Petero DAUNISEKA 28, Jo DUGUCAGI 33)
Halftime 3-1
New Zealand squad: Elias Billeh (GK), Clayton Chapell (GK), Tariq Assad, Marvin Eakins, Miro Major, Dylan Manickum, Lucas Da Silva, Miroslav Malivuk, Said Soleimanpour, Issac O’Hara, Khalid Razouk, Brayden Lissington
Coach: Matt Chandler
ScheduleNew Zealand v Tuvalu – Aug 13, 6.30pm
New Zealand v New Caledonia – Aug 14, 8.30pm
Posted by
Luca Ranocchiari -->
luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com
