Courtesy: New Zealand FA Web Site


Futsal Whites power to another win

14 August 2010

AUCKLAND - Five goals in three minutes powered the Futsal Whites to a 7-1 win over bottom of the table Tuvalu last night, to keep New Zealand on track for a top two finish in the OFC Futsal Championships in Suva.

Earlier in the evening, Solomon Islands virtually assured themselves of the title with a 7-3 win over hosts Fiji.

The Futsal Whites dominated the first half but were frustrated by the Tuvalu defence and excellent goalkeeper Easter Tekafa, forcing coach Matt Chandler to go to a time out towards the end of the first half.

Immediately after the restart, East City youngster Dylan Manickum sparked a scoring spree, firing New Zealand ahead from a wide angle after beating his marker down the right flank.

Marvin Eakins and target Said Soleimanpour put New Zealand further in front, before two strikes from Miro Major made it 5-0 to the Futsal Whites at the break.

New Zealand continued to dominate Tuvalu in the second half, with golden boot contender Micky Malivuk’s far post finish giving him his eighth of the tournament.

Jerome Funafuti scored a classy consolation goal for Tuvalu before a well-struck 10 metre penalty from Brayden Lissington finished the scoring for the Futsal Whites.

Matt Chandler expressed a little disappointment the Futsal Whites didn’t score more goals, but paid tribute to Tuvalu goalkeeper Tekafa.

“If you asked us at the start of the tournament, we’d have taken 7-1 in this game” Chandler said.

“But I think it is a measure of how far this team has come and the level we have reached, that we’re a little disappointed with the final outcome tonight. But the Tuvalu goalkeeper was excellent, especially in the first half.”

Skipper Marvin Eakins continued his excellent form, but was quick to acknowledge the quality of his team mates throughout the tournament.

"I've been playing pretty solid but it's easy to play when I've got these guys round me, they make me look good. You've got big Micky knocking goals in, Lucas with all the skills and Miro stroking the ball around.

"We'll be looking to go out with a win tomorrow and really put pressure on the Solomons just to let them know that we're still here."

Tomorrow Solomon Islands play Tuvalu and hosts Fiji face Vanuatu. New Zealand and New Caledonia square off in the final game of the tournament at 8.30pm.

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 7 (Dylan MANICKUM 18, Marvin EAKINS 18, Said SOLEIMANPOUR 19, Miro MAJOR 20, 20, Micky MALIVUK 33, Brayden LISSINGTON 38)

Tuvalu 1 (Jerome FUNAFUTI 35)

Halftime 5-0

New Zealand squad: Elias Billeh (GK), Clayton Chapell (GK), 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 New Caledonia – Aug 14, 8.30pm


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