Courtesy: Fiji Times


The Invincibles

by Amit Raj

Sunday, August 15, 2010

SOLOMON Islands wrapped up their third consecutive Oceania Futsal title in style last night after thrashing Tuvalu 21-2.

The Kurukurus danced their way to victory much to the delight of fans and led 11-0 at halftime with skipper Elliot Ragomo leading the charge with seven goals.

Ragomo scored six in the first half. Micah Lea'Alafa hit the mark four times while James Egeta and Matthius Saru scored a hat-trick each.

Jack Wetney grabbed a double and Coleman Makau together with George Stevenson scored a goal each.

Tuvalu's goals were scored by Easter Tekafa and Jerome Funafuti.

Coach Dickson Kadau was overwhelmed with the result.

"It's something we've worked towards. I've built this team for this kind of results," he said.

"I'm very pleased. Coming here our aim was to defend the title and we've done it."

Kadau said come the World Cup qualifiers next year, the Kurukurus would be a better and improved side.

"Surely we can qualify. We've already tasted what it's like playing in the World Cup. It's different. It's physical and more tactical. Teams have lots of techniques and we will need to find someone to help us with that."

He said while Futsal was still growing in Oceania, participating teams needed to improve a lot.

"Other teams need to develop the game and give us a bit of competition. It should be a competitive championship.

"But we respect all nations. Fiji and New Zealand have good teams, if they go back and start with the basics then in future it can have a competitive tournament.

"Whatever they have now is where we started. Our game is based on the basics," Kadau said.

The Kurukurus finished with maximum points by recording six wins from as many games and scoring 59 goals.


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