With the Solomon Island’s National men’s Futsal team readying to depart today for the Alfetah Continental Futsal Cup in Libya, Oceania Football Confederation is pleased to bring you an interview with Win In Oceania (WIO) Futsal Instructor Scott Gilligan.

The Alfetah Futsal Cup is an invitational tournament, approved by FIFA, where the top futsal playing nation from each FIFA Confederation will compete from 5-11 October for a winner’s cheque of $69,978 (NZD).

The less successful teams won’t be left empty handed either, the last placed national team will walk away with $13,994 (NZD).

The two year OFC Futsal champions were invited to the lucrative tournament by the Libyan Football Federation with most of the major expenses for the trip generously covered by the host Federation. 

The Alfetah Futsal Cup will be played under a two group round robin format with the top two qualifiers from each group playing off in seeded knock-out semifinals to determine the finalists. The bottom two teams will play-off to determine fifth and sixth placings.

The Cup field consists of: Guatemala, Iran, Libya, Solomon Islands, Spain and Uruguay (Brazil had to withdraw).

OFC – Scott in your own words can you explain to our readers why this invitation and opportunity is so valuable to the Solomons Futsal team?

After the Kurukuru qualified for last year's World Cup the team learnt valuable lessons from their matches in Brazil against seasoned international opposition. That same squad demonstrated they had learnt from that 2008 World Cup campaign by their hugely dominant performance at the OFC Futsal Championship this year - they were much better in defence, they were more clinical in attack and they rectified their main deficiency by bringing in a more senior goalkeeper.

I see this as a perfect perfect test for the Kurukuru to see how far they have come since their initiation at the highest level and to see how much they still need to improve. It is also an opportunity for some of the squad members to stand up individually and showcase their phenomenal skills on a world stage. 

OFC – What do you expect from the other teams participating at the Alfetah Cup?

This invitation will see them take on the best country from each Confederation. So like the World Cup, there will be some extremely tough matches for the Kurukuru. But it should also be noted that Iran have proven that they have improved massively and are on the brink of breaking the top two (Brazil and Spain) countries’ dominance of this code. Both Guatamala and Libya have also proven that they take futsal seriously and their recent performances have shown that they too are starting to get closer to the powerhouses.

OFC - What do you think the team should be expecting to achieve and what do they most need to improve on at this tournament?

Realistically they shouldn't be expecting to win the tournament, however, I would hope that they can further improve their defensive play. While Spain clearly stands-out as the formidable opponents, all the international teams that the Kurukuru come up against in Libya will be fast and very dangerous in attack.

Tahiti have ended their debut FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign on a disappointing note with a 0-5 loss to Nigeria in Cairo on Thursday evening in a game where two brothers were sent off for the Islanders.

It could have been worse for Tahiti as Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, who were runners-up in the tournament four years ago, had a total of 31 shots during the match but wasteful finishing might hamper the Africans’ hopes of advancing.

Group B winners Spain (nine points) and runners-up Venezuela (six points) have qualified for the final 16 automatically while Nigeria (three points)  now have to wait for other results to go their way in order to go through as one of the best third-place teams. Tahiti meanwhile finish bottom of the group with a winless record.

Nigeria were dominant in the opening stages of their final group match but had to wait 15 minutes for their first goal. Wingers Omatsone Aluko and King Osanga combined well to supply Obiora Nwankwo, who fired past Teave Teamotuaitau.

Tahiti went close four minutes later when Steevy Chong Hue raced past Daniel Adejo to present him with a one-on-one opportunity. However, Uche Okafor raced off his line to stop the ball with his legs.

Nigeria doubled their advantage in the 24th minute when Ibok Edet headed home from King Osanga's corner. Ten minutes later it was 3-0; Kehinde Fatai latching onto another Osanga corner.

Chong Hue had an opportunity from the edge of the box, but fired straight into the arms of the keeper, and Danny Uchechi should have done better with a glorious chance, but the stand-in skipper failed to hit the target.

Two minutes before half-time, Tahiti were reduced to 10 men when Lorenzo Tehau was dismissed for his second yellow of the night. With the final kick of the first half, Nigeria scored their fourth, when Nurudeen Orelesi's speculative cross curled into the net.

The second half was dominated by missed opportunities by the Africans. Uchechi hit the post with a downward header, but their cause was given a further boost in the 74th minute when Tahiti were reduced to nine men; this time it was Alvin Tehau, brother of Lorenzo, who saw red for a second bookable offence.

But still Nigeria could not find a breakthrough. Substitute Raheem Lawal stung the hands of Teamotuaitau from the edge of the box and many more Flying Eagles chances were wasted. Adejo made it five in the final minute, but Samson Siasia and his side face a nervy wait with a goal difference of plus-two to see if they will end up as one of the four best third-placed sides.

For match details and full tournament coverage visit http://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/index.html 

Tahiti and Nigeria have similar objectives going into their Group B finale at Cairo's International Stadium on Thursday. While the Nigerians need a big win to press their claims for a place in the last 16, Tahiti are looking to collect an unlikely three points and sneak in through the back door themselves.

The game
Tahiti-Nigeria, Cairo, Thursday 1 October, 18:45 (local time)

The stakes
Though logic dictates that both sides are staring elimination in the face, the Nigerians can at least harbour realistic hopes of scoring a big win and sneaking into the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams. To do that, however, they will need to improve the wayward finishing that afflicted them in their opening two games, in which they failed to score. For their part the Tahitians are still in with a mathematical chance, but simply making life difficult for their opponents would represent an achievement in itself.

The stat
24 - The number of years since Nigeria recorded their first win over an Oceania side in the competition. By way of coincidence, current coach Samson Siasia was a member of the side that defeated Australia 3-2 on that occasion at USSR 1985.

The words
"We are well aware of the differences between the two teams on an individual level, but my players have been gaining in confidence despite the results and they know we can still qualify if we beat Nigeria. Of course it's going be very tough to do that, but anything can happen in football." Tahiti coach Lionel Charbonnier

"We have absolutely no margin for error now. We need to start doing all the things we've failed to do so far, and that's winning and scoring goals. And even then that might not be enough. So what we need to do first and foremost is concentrate on getting the win." Nigeria coach Samson Siasia

Story courtesy of FIFA.com

Next week’s OFC U-20 Women’s Championship New Zealand 2009 involving two of the countries directly affected by yesterday’s earthquake and tsunami tragedy has been postponed until January 2010.

Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) made the announcement today after reports out of American Samoa, Samoa and Tonga – three of OFC’s 11 member associations – painted a devastating picture with an estimated death toll of over 100.

American Samoa and Tonga had been scheduled to take part in the championship along with the Cook Islands and New Zealand from 5-9 October at Auckland’s North Harbour Stadium to determine Oceania’s representative at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Germany next July. But the OFC Emergency Committee and OFC President Reynald Temarii concluded there was no other option but to postpone the event.

“As a sign of solidarity and respect for the tragic loss of life in American Samoa, Samoa and Tonga, OFC has decided to postpone the OFC U-20 Women’s Championship. It will now take place at the end of January giving all participating member associations an extended period of preparation,” President Temarii. 

“Our sole focus now is on the devastating events that took place yesterday and the affects they’ve had on our Pacific family. We sincerely hope that all those affected by the disaster can find some amount of peace and solace in this distressing time.”

Football Federation American Samoa (FFAS) headquarters was in the direct path of the tsunami that hit at dawn on Tuesday local time. Fortunately no staff were at Pago park when the massive wave swept through and only the groundsman was reported to be injured. However the FIFA-funded complex was left in ruins with the maintenance building swept away and FFAS offices badly damaged.

All passports and travel documents for the American Samoa U-20 women’s team that were being held at the offices in preparation for the team’s departure on Thursday were swept away.

Yesterday’s disaster began with a series of earthquakes that struck between American Samoa and Samoa, the largest a magnitude 8.3, setting off several tsunamis up to six metres high. Reports out of Samoa said the waves travelled as far as 1.6 kilometres inland leaving a path of destruction and sweeping its victims back out to sea.

New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Bill English said last night that 62 people were confirmed dead in Samoa and 142 injured. At least 30 were dead in American Samoa with up to 10 deaths in Tonga.

The Red Cross have said there is an urgent humanitarian crisis in the making with dozens of villages destroyed and thousands of people left homeless.

Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has offered its sympathies to the people of American Samoa and Samoa after the two countries bore the brunt of a massive earthquake and subsequent tsunamis this morning.

Dozens are feared dead after a magnitude 8.3 earthquake struck midway between the two island nations at 6:48am on Tuesday (local time) causing a series of towering tsunami waves.

The Red Cross have said at least 28 have been killed while unconfirmed reports put the death toll much higher.

OFC President Reynald Temarii has offered his sympathies to those caught up in the disaster.

“On behalf of OFC and the Oceania football family we wish to extend our condolences and support to people in American Samoa, Samoa and any other Pacific Islands who have been affected by this tragedy,” said Temarii.

Sarai Bareman, Finance and Administration Manager for the Samoa Football Soccer Federation (SFSF), says many people have sought refuge at the J.S. Blatter Football Complex in Tuanaimato, just 10 minutes from downtown Apia, due to its significant height above sea level.

“I walked to work and there were hundreds of people here at the complex waiting for news,” said Bareman.

“I called all the SFSF staff and thankfully no-one is hurt and everyone has been accounted for. The Red Cross arrived and we opened up our medical room to allow them to treat anyone that needed medical attention. I am pleased that we were able to provide a safe haven for these people during this distressing time and my prayers go out to all the families and villages that have lost loved ones today.” 

OFC is actively trying to contact staff at the Football Federation American Samoa (FFAS) but cellular network issues are hampering efforts.

The American Samoa U-20 women’s team are scheduled to fly out to Auckland this Thursday to compete in the OFC U-20 Women’s Championship from 5-9 October while coaches from both countries are expected in Auckland for a FIFA women’s coaching course next week. It is unclear at this stage if these plans will go ahead unchanged.

Meanwhile, an OFC elite refereeing training course which began in Auckland today also involves participants from American Samoa and Samoa.



SFSF J.S. Blatter Football Complex, Tuanaimato

AUCKLAND – The Junior Football Ferns will be without Oceania Player of the Year Rosie White for next week’s U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers in Auckland after the 16-year-old striker was ruled out through injury.

The Three Kings forward – who grabbed headlines last year by scoring hat-tricks at the FIFA U-17 and U-20 Women’s World Cups in New Zealand and Chile respectively – has been ordered to rest to prevent a potential stress fracture in her foot.

The loss of White brings to four the number of senior internationals missing from the New Zealand squad for qualifiers against American Samoa, Tonga and Cook Islands at North Harbour Stadium and coach Tony Readings admits the firepower and experience of that quartet will be hard to replace.

You can’t really replace players like Rosie and it may alter the way we want play,” Readings said.

“She’s a big loss and it just adds to the challenge we face as we’re without Football Ferns Merissa Smith, Renee Leota and Betsy Hassett as well.

“It makes the task more difficult but it gives opportunities for other players to stake a claim for the team to go to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Germany next year by helping us qualify next week.”

Claudelands Rovers striker Jackie Pretswell – the Northern League’s golden boot – and Glenfield midfielder Katie Bowen have been called into camp to restore the squad to its full compliment of 18, and Readings was adamant the selection door was wide open for Monday’s tournament opener against American Samoa.

“These new players are in the same boat as everyone else, in that they can push for starting spots as well. If there’s an upside to the injuries it’s that a number of players are going to have to step up in training this week and in the matches next week.”

Junior Football Ferns Squad for OFC U-20 Women’s Championship
North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, 5-9 October

Goalkeepers:
Victoria ESSON (Fencibles United)
Megan SHEA (Woolston Technical)

Defenders:
Bridgette ARMSTRONG (Glenfield Rovers)
Anna GREEN (Three Kings United)
Briony FISHER (Lynn Avon United)
Elizabeth MILNE (Lynn Avon United)
Jessica ROLLINGS (Glenfield Rovers)
Chelsey WOOD (Eastern Suburbs)

Midfielders:
Caitlin CAMPBELL (Lynn Avon United)
Emily COOPER (Lynn Avon United)
Claudia CRASBORN (Napier City Rovers)
Annalie LONGO (Three Kings United)
Lauren MATHIS (Glenfield Rovers)
Nadia PEARL (Three Kings United)
Katherine ROBINSON (Claudelands Rovers)
Hannah WALL (Waterside Karori)
Katie BOWEN (Glenfield Rovers)

Forwards:
Sarah MCLAUGHLIN (Claudelands Rovers)
Lauren MURRAY (Three Kings United)
Jackie PRETSWELL (Claudelands Rovers)

Head Coach: Tony Readings
Assistant Coaches: Ali Grant and Paul Temple
Manager: Kristy Hill

Story courtesy of NZF Media

For the latest in NZ Football news visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

Ruben Luvu, American Samoa U-20 women’s national team coach, is satisfied that his team is ready to compete at the OFC U-20 Women’s Championship starting next week in Auckland, New Zealand.

Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) will stage the round-robin championship at North Harbour Stadium on Auckland’s North Shore from 5-9 October. American Samoa, Cook Islands, New Zealand and Tonga will compete for a place at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Germany next July.

The Football Federation American Samoa (FFAS) squad had a robust final practice match on home soil last Saturday ahead of their departure for Auckland this weekend.

Luvu says he was satisfied with the team's performance after they had matched up respectably against a team consisting of FFAS male referees at Pago Park Soccer Stadium.

The U-20 women lost 0-3 to the ‘Referees Eleven’ but Luvu was pleased with his squad’s physical competitiveness and improved cohesiveness.

The FFAS coaching staff saw added value in matching up the male players against the U-20 women’s team because of their superior strength and speed, especially since their first opponent at next week’s championship is New Zealand, the reigning Oceania U-20 champions.

The New Zealand squad also includes 14 players that represented their country at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup NZ 2008, so Luvu is well aware that his American Samoan squad face a huge challenge on the opening day of the tournament.

“Against the referees on Saturday, I was happy with my team’s performance because they did a number of things well,” said Luvu. 
 
“They read the game better and executed really well on the things we have been working on since we first started training. They were focused on what was going on in the field, closed down on the gaps much faster and their communication with one another was much better."

He went on to say that he saw a huge improvement but wants them to build on that form even further when the tournament begins on Monday.

“There are a few things we still need to work on but I was really happy with their performance, especially with a few players that I’ve been keeping an eye on."

Two players, Fetu Lakisa and Jermaima Fuatino Kaleopa, went down with ankle injures last week and their status is uncertain at the moment. There are two players who had been eliminated from the final confirmed traveling squad after initially training with the wider trial squad. A final judgment on whether they will now rejoin the touring squad will be made shortly. 

Team management will name the team’s captain later this week and Luvu says he has decided on the 11 players he expects to start in next Monday’s championship opener against New Zealand.

Ricki Herbert has named the most important squad yet in his four years as All Whites coach, selecting the 19 players to face Bahrain in Manama on October 10.

The match between the Oceania champions and the Arabic island nation that finished fifth in Asian World Cup qualifying is the first leg of a home and away playoff – the return leg is Westpac Stadium in Wellington on November 14 – with the winner progressing to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Herbert has named 13 previous squads since taking the reins in 2005 but says all of those – and the 30 matches played under his tenure - have been stepping stones to the most important game the All Whites have played since last qualifying for the World Cup in 1982.

“This is absolutely the biggest one yet,” Herbert said.

“You know we’ve had opportunities over the last four years to shape the team to where it’s got to now. It’s an incredibly important couple of fixtures and I’m delighted to be able to name the squad.”

Ryan Nelsen will captain the side that is relatively unchanged from the squad that earned a 3-1 victory over Jordan in Amman in September.

Striker Rory Fallon and attacking midfielder Michael McGlinchey retain their places after impressive debuts in that match while Chris Killen and Chris Wood – late withdrawals from that squad through injury – predictably come back into the mix.

In fact, the only change from the squad named for Jordan is the addition of Auckland City custodian Jacob Spoonley as goalkeeping cover for Mark Paston and James Bannatyne.

The squad is notable for its continuity with goalkeeper Glen Moss the only player unavailable for selection due to a four-match World Cup suspension earned in the All Whites’ final Oceania group qualifier against Fiji in November 2008.
Moss’ unavailability aside, Herbert has finally enjoyed the luxury of a fully fit squad to choose from, something that had so far eluded the All Whites boss.

“I think that’s been the biggest frustrations over my time is not been able to have the best side together for a long period of time but the flipside is that some other players have been given opportunities and some have really solidified their position in the team.”

“Touch wood that we go into training in Dubai with a full complement of players as that will be important to the outcome in Manama as well.”

Nelsen, McGlinchey, Fallon and Spoonley are the only players in the squad who didn’t travel to South Africa for the FIFA Confederations Cup in June, with Moss, Kris Bright, Chris James, Steven Old, Duncan Oughton, Jeremy Brockie and Jeremy Christie dropping out in for this smaller squad.

Bahrain enter the fixture match-hardened by an 18-game qualifying campaign but Herbert believes that has also has an upside for New Zealand.

“Bahrain had to put their best foot forward against Saudi Arabia so that information is fresh and current. We’ve broken down that information and will roll it out to the players.

“We’re pretty comfortable. Raul Blanco, Brian Turner and I have done a lot of research and as soon as we hit that first training session in Dubai we’ll be rolling out what we think is going to be important for the first game.”

Herbert and the Wellington Phoenix’s All Whites contingent depart for Bahrain from Australia after Friday’s round 9 clash against Shane Smeltz’s high flying Gold Coast United, while remaining New Zealand based players and staff depart from Auckland on Monday.

The All Whites assemble in Dubai, where they will be based until October 9 in preparation for the match in Manama on October 10.

New Zealand Squad for FIFA World Cup Asia/Oceania Playoff (first leg)
October 10, Manama

Goalkeepers:
James BANNATYNE (Team Wellington – 5/0)
Mark PASTON (Wellington Phoenix – 21/0)
Jacob SPOONLEY (Auckland City – 1/0)

Defenders:
Andrew BOYENS (New York Red Bulls – 14/0)
Tony LOCHHEAD (Wellington Phoenix – 19/0)
David MULLIGAN (Wellington Phoenix – 30/3)
Ryan NELSEN (Captain, Blackburn Rovers – 39/9)
Aaron SCOTT (Waitakere United – 5/0)
Ben SIGMUND (Wellington Phoenix – 10/1)
Ivan VICELICH (Auckland City – 70/7)

Midfielders:
Andy BARRON (Team Wellington – 12/1)
Leo BERTOS (Wellington Phoenix – 28/0)
Tim BROWN (Wellington Phoenix – 25/0)
Simon ELLIOTT (San Jose Earthquakes – 65/8)
Michael MCGLINCHEY (Central Coast Mariners – 1/0)

Forwards:
Rory FALLON (Plymouth Argyle – 1/1)
Chris KILLEN (Celtic – 24/17)
Shane SMELTZ (Gold Coast United – 29/17)
Chris WOOD (West Bromwich Albion – 3/0)

Management: Ricki Herbert (Coach), Brian Turner (Assistant Coach), Clint Gosling (Goalkeeper Coach), Raul Blanco (Technical Advisor), Phil Warbrick (Manager), Roland Jeffery (Physiotherapist), Wade Irvine (Massage Therapist), Celeste Geertsema (Doctor), Kenny McMillan (Sports Scientist), Jamie Scott (Media Officer).

2010 FIFA World Cup Asia/Oceania Playoff

First Leg

Bahrain v New Zealand
October 10, kick-off 6.30pm (4.30am Oct 11 NZT)
National Stadium, Manama
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

Second Leg

New Zealand v Bahrain
8pm, November 14
Westpac Stadium, Wellington

Story courtesy of NZF Media

For the latest in NZ Football news visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

Tahiti have again found themselves on the wrong side of an 8-0 score line, this time going down to Venezuela in Cairo on Monday night in a match that saw two Tahitians sent off before halftime.

After losing to Spain by the same margin on Friday, Tahiti are now out of the running for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009 while Venezuela have booked their place in the last 16 along with Italy who beat Nigeria 2-0 in the other Group B match.

Venezuela proved too strong for the World Cup debutants at Al Salam Stadium putting away three goals in the first half and a further five after the break – making the most of a two-man advantage. Yonathan Del Valle and Jose Rondon led the way with hat-tricks while Jose Manuel Velasquez and Oscar Rojas also got on the score sheet.

La Vinotinto opened the scoring in the fourth minute, when Francisco Flores' cross from the left was headed home by Jose Rondon, who rose above the challenge of Jay Warren to loop the ball over goalkeeper Teheipuari Hauata.

Fifteen minutes later it was 2-0, the unmarked Jose Manuel Velasquez diverting Louis Pena's corner into the net at the far post. Tahiti were dealt a hammer blow in the 26th minute when Stephane Faatiarau received his marching orders for a professional foul on Del Valle and Rondon made no mistake from the resulting spot-kick.
 
Worse was to come for the islanders seven minutes before half-time when Garry Rochette received his second yellow for a foul on Pena.

With the match over as a meaningful contest, the pace slowed considerably in the second half. In the 71st minute the game was reignited when Oscar Rojas curled a left-footed free-kick over the wall and past the outstretched dive of Hauata.

Del Valle added a fifth with 12 minutes to go when he slotted the ball past the keeper after being played in by Rondon. He then latched onto a Rojas left-wing cross to grab his second and Venezuela’s sixth before completing a 13-minute hat trick after collecting Jose Parra's side-footed pass and firing past the keeper.

Although Lorenzo Tehau and Steevy Chong Hue flashed shots just wide of the upright for Tahiti in the first half, the opportunities in the second half were few and far between.

Venezuela will now look to defeat Spain in their final group game to secure their place at the section's summit, while Tahiti will have a chance to salvage some pride against Nigeria on Thursday.

For match details and full tournament coverage visit http://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/index.html

Tonga Football Association (TFA) has successfully completed its 2009 Secondary Schools Competition after six weeks of interschool play with the finals of the U-17 and U-19 divisions completed on Friday.

This year’s competition attracted 47 teams (19 girls’ teams) from 11 secondary schools in Nuku’alofa, and outstanding support has been shown for the event by participants and parents who have been turning up at the TFA’s Sports Academy in good numbers every Friday.

TFA’s Football Development Officer Lui Muavesi has been conducting an on-going coaching course with participating schools during the competition and attributes its success to a hard working committee made up of the participating schools’ sports masters and principals.
 
TFA put in a total prize pool of $6,300 pa’anga ($4,709 NZD) and the prize presentation will be held at the TFA football academy in ‘Atele on 9 October 2009.

The results are as follows:

U-13 Boys
Winners - Takuilau College
Second - Tonga College
Third - Vaini Middle School

U-13 Girls
Winners - Tonga High School
Second – Vaini Middle School
Third – Pakilau Middle School

U-15 Boys
Winners - Tonga College
Second -Talafo’ou Middle School
Third - Tonga High School

U-15 Girls
Winners - Tonga High School
Second - Takuilau College
Third - Talafo’ou Middle School

U-17 Boys
Winners - Liahona High School
Second - Tonga College
Third - Takuilau College

U-17 Girls
Winners - Tonga High School
Second - Liahona High School
Third - Apifo’ou College

U-19 Boys
Winners – Apifo’ou College
Second – Tonga College
Third – Takuilau College

U-19 Girls
Winners - Apifo’ou College
Second - Takuilau College
Third - Tonga High School

Courtesy of TFA Media

Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) has completed a Kids Football Cultural Exchange and Education Festival in Honiara on Friday.

Sponsored by local communications company ‘Our Telecom,’ the festival was aimed at encouraging unity and understanding amongst the culturally diverse youth of the Solomon Islands.

Nineteen primary schools, two each from the nine provincial football associations – including Honiara, took part in the football competition.  

“The Solomon Islands is a country with many different peoples, language and cultures” said Phillip Ohoto’ona, chairman of the local organising committee.

The opening night of the festival was kicked off by popular Solomon Islands musician Pascal whose performance proved to be a big hit with the young audience. Pascal also volunteered to perform in between football matches during the week’s playing activities.

“The performances tonight will allow these youngsters to fathom this diversity we have,” Ohoto’ona added.

The week featured football workshops for various participating schools’ teachers and students each morning with competitive matches being organised each afternoon with an emphasis on fair play and fun.

Alota’a Primary School (Malaita Province) beat Patutiva Community High School (Western Province) 1-0 in a highly competitive grand final on the weekend.

After a disappointing loss to Spain, Tahiti will be looking to bounce back against Venezuela in their second Group B match of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009 on Monday night. Venezuela will be high on confidence after a historic victory against Nigeria on Friday and another win will take the South Americans a step closer to the round of 16. The Tahitians however, still have ambitions of thir own.

The game:
Tahiti-Venezuela, Cairo, Monday 28 September, 18:45 (local time)

The stakes:
In the build-up to the tournament there seemed little to choose between these two teams, both making their maiden appearance at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. However, after their respective opening games - a surprise 1-0 win for Venezuela over Nigeria, and a painful 8-0 reverse for Tahiti against Spain, the South Americans are now firm favourites. That said, El Vinotinto insist complacency will not be an issue and remain wary of a potential upset.

As well as dealing with the pressure of being favourites, Venezuela will need to be more clinical in front of goal if they are to take the three points and close in on a last-16 berth. Tahiti, on the other hand, will be looking to salvage some pride after their opening round travails and will be hoping to recapture the sort of form that brought them to the finals. 

The stat:
8 - The number of times representatives of CONMEBOL and OFC have met previously in this tournament. Surprisingly, Oceania has the edge with five victories and three defeats, all of which involved Australia.

The words:
"The only positive we can take from the opening game is that Venezuela will have learned nothing about us. We never even got going. But before concerning myself with the opposition I have to try and boost the morale of my boys and go over things again in training." Lionel Charbonnier, Tahiti coach

"Tahiti's previous games were tight and nobody gave us a chance of beating Nigeria, so we can't afford to underestimate them. We have to play with the same intelligence and be even more decisive than in the first match." Cesar Farias, Venezuela coach

Story courtesy of FIFA.com

Oceaniafootball.com is featuring several players expected to be key participants at the OFC U-20 Women’s Championship New Zealand 2009 to be held in Auckland from 5-9 October.

Today we feature a player with a reputation for courage on and off the field - Tonga's U-20 women's team captain Sala Veamatahau.

Name: Sala Veamatahau

Occupation: Athlete

Full Name: Sala Veamatahau

Date of Birth: September 16 1990, (age: 19)

Place of Birth: Tongatapu Height: 1.65m

Playing Position: Central midfielder

Current Club: Nuku’alofa Eleven

Nick Name: The Dare Devil Football

Playing Years: 5 years

Favourite Soccer Star: David Beckham

Favourite Colour: Green

National Team: 2006 – OFC U-20 World Cup Qualifiers (Samoa) Silver 2007 – OFC Senior Women’s Qualifiers (Papua New Guinea) 3rd 2007 – South Pacific Games (Samoa) Silver medal Special Award: TFA Scholarship – 2006 & 2007

BIOGRAPHY

The captain of Tonga's U-20 women’s national side, Sala Veamatahau, has earned a reputation for being a tough competitor on the football field and a resilient spirit in the face of extreme adversity off the field. 

Veamatahau has been pursuing her ambition of playing professional football overseas since her secondary school days. She used to skip school to play football with the boys and proved to be a natural at picking up the fundamental skills of her chosen sport.

It was her late father who encouraged her to continue her passion for football.

Veamatahau was first selected in the national U-20 women’s training squad in 2005 in preparation for the OFC U-20 Women's Championship Samoa 2006. Although she was a strong performer in a Tongan team that finished second, it was the lowest point of her life as she lost both her father and brother in tragic circumstances that same year.

Those losses gave Veamatahau a totally different prospective on life and the determination to make a difference in everything that she does and, most of all, not to take life for granted. Since then, there has been no turning back for this talented centre midfielder whose motto in life is “dare to go beyond.”

Veamatahau's selection as the captain this year comes as no surprise to her teammates. Women’s football development in Tonga is flourishing, thanks to the commitment of young talented players such as Veamatahau.

Courtesy of TFA Media

World Cup debutants Tahiti were no match for Spain in their opening match of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009 at Cairo’s Al Salam Stadium on Friday evening going down 0-8.

With four goals in the first half and four in the second, it was Spain’s biggest win at a FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Luis Milla’s side showed why there are considered one of the tournament favourites with a dominant display in the first half including a share of over 70 percent of possession and three goals inside the first 20 minutes.

The opening goal came in the 11th minute after tidy work by Jordi Alba down the left flank. Alba’s cross found Arsenal midfielder Fran Merida whose shot cannoned off the boot of  Tahiti goalkeeper Teheipuarii Hauata and into the path of Niguez, who gratefully sidefooted home.

The Celta Vigo player made it two six minutes later when Sergio Asenjo's clearance was misjudged by a Tahiti defender, presenting Niquez with a one-on-one opportunity with the goalkeeper – and made no mistake.

The goalscorer turned provider for Spain’s third and fourth goals in the 17th and 32nd minutes of the game, supplying Real Sociedad striker Emilio Nsue.

The pace of the game slowed after the restart, with Spain again enjoying the majority of possession. When Tahiti did receive the ball, they equipped themselves well, attempting to pass the ball fluently and push forward whenever possible.

The Tahitians held strong for 25 minutes but couldn’t stop the brilliance of Merida who grabbed his second – and Spain’s fifth – with a long range effort that flew past the outstretched dive of Hauata.

Kike netted a swift brace in the 79th and 86th minutes while Ander Herrera completed the rout a minute from time.

For match details and full tournament coverage visit http://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/index.html 




Tahiti starting line-up

From the days of the earliest French settlers through its romanticised depictions in the paintings of Paul Gauguin and Jacques Boullaire, or in the melancholic songs of Jacques Brel, the French Polynesian island of Tahiti has long evoked - in European minds at least - the mythical trappings of a tropical paradise. Until now there has been little room for football in this idyll, but the island's shock qualification for this month's FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt may help change perceptions, and demonstrate that even in "Heaven on Earth" there is a place for the beautiful game.

A huge white cross stands sentinel on the hilltop overlooking the FIFA Goal project grounds in the lush Titioro Valley, providing a constant source of inspiration for Tahiti Nui (as the team are known locally) as they prepare to create a miracle of their own at this month's U-20 World Cup.

Faith means a lot to the young Tahitians - before each match they gather together in the dressing room in song, and in prayer. But while faith is important, so too is belief: namely, the belief that they can surprise the world despite being rank outsiders among the 24 teams who will do battle in Egypt. Creating that belief has been the priority of their passionate coach, Lionel Charbonnier, and as the countdown begins to their opening match in Cairo, his infectious enthusiasm seems to be paying off.

Having already made history by becoming the first archipelago nation from Oceania to reach a FIFA under-age world championship, the amateurs from French Polynesia are convinced they can make history again. Tahiti have been drawn against three of the toughest teams in the tournament - European heavyweights Spain, perennial challengers Nigeria, and fellow tournament debutants Venezuela, who booked their place by eliminating six-time U-20 world champions Argentina during the qualifiers.

Charbonnier, 42, knows what it takes to reach the top - he was third-choice goalkeeper when France famously won the FIFA World Cup™ on home soil in 1998. But while the former Auxerre custodian does not expect to become a world champion coach just yet, he can draw some parallels to those unforgettable days with Les Bleus.

The perennial understudy, first to Bernard Lama, and then to Fabien Barthez, Charbonnier admits he felt awkward sharing the glory of the open-top bus ride down the Champs Elysees the day after France won the World Cup.

"I wasn't sure whether I really deserved to be there," he recalls.

"But then being on the bus, and seeing all the people, it made me understand how much joy football can give. From that day, I decided I would always try and use football to bring happiness. So I want my players to be happy, and hopefully we can also make the people of Tahiti happy."

In the happiness stakes, Charbonnier leads by example. In Tahiti, the main island among the five archipelagos composing French Polynesia, the smiling, laidback, approach of the locals has a name. It is called "fiu". Sometimes it is confused with laziness. Even before he touched down in Papeete, Charbonnier - helped by some timely advice from his former Auxerre team-mate and Tahiti's most decorated player, Pascal Vahirua - was determined not to make that mistake. "The Tahitian boys are willing to work hard, but you must know how to treat them," he said.

Thinking Brazilian
"From almost the first week I realised I couldn't think like a Frenchman. I had to think more like a Brazilian. The way they think, they way they look, the weather, the environment, it's almost the same as Brazil. They like to enjoy their work. So you must respect their culture if you want the best from them."

Charbonnier does his best to blend in. Each morning, he rides his black Vespa to the FIFA Goal project training grounds adjacent to the national stadium, Stade Pater, usually arriving in his shorts and T-shirt before sharing a joke and a laugh with his players. There are no pretences about the affable Frenchman. But that does not mean he has lowered his standards. Far from it.

After completing his UEFA Pro Licence, Charbonnier served his coaching apprenticeship with amateur French clubs Sens and Stade Poitiers, taking the latter to three promotions in three seasons. But club politics eventually exhausted him and he was taking a break from football - training horses and painting landscapes and abstracts - when Oceania Football Confederation President and former Tahitian international Reynald Temarii came calling in late 2007.

It was an unusual offer - to travel to the other side of the world to develop the youth teams of a nation which has historically struggled in Oceania, let alone on a bigger stage. But something in the size of the challenge stirred Charbonnier's competitive nature.

"When I arrived, everybody said ‘why did you come?' I said, 'to go to the World Cup'. They said 'you're crazy'. Maybe, maybe I am. But you must be a little bit crazy in your life. Of course it was a big, big, gamble, but I already knew some things about Tahitian players because of Pascal (Vahirua), so I knew there were possibilities."

Those possibilities became a reality when Tahiti edged out New Caledonia to win the Oceania qualifiers late last year. It was history by design, not accident. One of Charbonnier's first demands to Temarii was for his under-20s to be allowed to compete in the local first division in order to gain much-needed experience, fitness, and competition.

Initially, the other clubs resisted, refusing to release their players, but Temarii put his foot down and backed his new coach. When Tahiti celebrated their unprecedented success last December, all opposition to the experiment evaporated. This year Tahiti Nui again competed in the recently-concluded ten-team Championnat, further cementing a level of cohesion and camaraderie that can be hard to foster among national teams whose players are more used to meeting up for short spells months apart.

"We're not a national team, we're a club team, and this is our big advantage," Charbonnier said. "I work with these players every day, and I can see the difference it makes. Every day they give the best of themselves. Every day, they are better players. If they are asked to go through the wall, they will go. They are becoming professional in their minds, and for me it is wonderful to see."

Potential pros
Being professional is not only a state of mind for some of the players, it is also an objective. Charbonnier believes "two or three" of his players are good enough to earn contracts in Europe, most probably France, which has traditionally had first call on Tahitian talent. Vahirua's younger cousin, Marama, currently plays for Ligue 1 club Lorient in Brittany, while Temarii spent two seasons with Nantes during the 1980s and a former Tahitian national team captain, Jean-Loup Rousseau, had spells with Auxerre and Metz in the 1990s.

Perhaps the most likely candidate to be the next Tahitian in the French leagues is 19-year-old striker Alvin Tehau, who scored a goal in last year's decisive win over Fiji, having previously turned down a contract offer during a trial with Ajaccio two years ago. Tehau is ready to try again, and like the rest of his team-mates knows the FIFA U-20 World Cup is a window of opportunity.

"The coach has told us there will be people watching, so maybe they will choose some of us," Tehau said. "This is a big opportunity, not just for me, but for all of us. My dream is to score a goal, maybe against Spain, but my priority is to help the team go through to the second round. We are not scared of the other teams, of the big players. Playing against them can help us improve, and progress. We have been together for more than a year, so we are like brothers, there is a good feeling between us. Of course it is a big step to play in the World Cup, but we believe we can spring a surprise."

So, too, does Charbonnier, who has fine-tuned his squad with a punishing training camp in France, which has included nine matches in the last five weeks. Tahiti will arrive in Egypt fit, focused, and organised. And the minnows are ready as they will ever be.

"Their mentality, it must be very strong," said Charbonnier. "Every day, we are speaking about that. We know it will be very difficult for us. We are in the group of death, so they (opponents) are all happy to play against Tahiti. But we will not lose any matches 10-0, no chance. I am sure about that. The important thing is not to be afraid. If they are afraid when they go on the pitch, they are finished. But if they are not afraid, then we can do something very good, maybe a draw. The best thing for me is they give all their heart, they do their best. We must be warriors, that is what I have told them. After that, we wait and see."

Football's dilemma in Tahiti is to motivate talented players to aim higher and to work towards a professional career. With a thriving tourism industry, and generous subsidies from France for the administration, employment is relatively easy to find in Papeete - which can make the option of staying home and playing football as a hobby seem a less risky alternative.

"Some of these boys have talent, and some of them might get a professional contract, if not in Europe, then hopefully in Australia, where the A-League is now a professional competition," former Tahiti captain Jean-Loup Rousseau told FIFA World. "They have sacrificed a lot in the last 18 months, and it would be a pity to see it go to waste."

All but four of Charbonnier's squad members are students, and those who are not have been given time off by their employers to commit to Charbonnier's rigorous training programme. "It is an easy lifestyle here in Tahiti, so you have to push them sometimes, but I couldn't be happier with the sacrifice they have given me," said Charbonnier.

"We gave the team a few weeks off after the Championnat, and one guy came back ten kilos heavier. He has talent, but of course he must have fitness too. But look at him. See how hard he is working. This is the attitude I like to see."

"What these players need is a goal, and that should be trying to qualify for the World Cup," said Rousseau. "But that all depends on the federation, because you need to keep this group together."
Story courtesy of FIFA.com

The New Zealand U-17 football team have turned to the New Zealand Football Championship’s most successful sides to help prepare them for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria in October and November.

The Young All Whites were shaded 2-1 by Waitakere United – last season’s minor premiers – at North Harbour Stadium on Thrusday night and face New Zealand and Oceania champions Auckland City on Saturday before a rematch against Waitakere on October 6.

Ash Solly powered a header past Coey Turipa from a 4th minute corner to give Waitakere the lead but U-17 right winger Michael Built broke in behind the defence to set up Thomas Spragg for an immediate reply.

A rearranged Waitakere line-up found what proved to be the winner early in the second half, profiting from another corner this time with a Jake Butler header.

Despite the close result Young All Whites coach Steve Cain is refusing to settle for a competitive performance without reward.

“We defended well apart from at set pieces which is disappointing. Waitakere have got some big strong boys but we’re going to come up against big strong boys at the World Cup,” Cain said.

“Outside the Wellington Phoenix, these are the best two sides in the country and it’s probably the best way to replicate the level that we’re going to come up against in Nigeria. It’s just the sort of challenge we need before we leave.

“But that said, we’re trying to instil a mindset that there are no good losses, regardless of who we’re up against. If that was a World Cup then we’ve come out of it with no points. We have to convert games into points, and if we build that mindset then hopefully they’ll take it through the rest of their careers.”

The side depart on October 13 for Australia where they will play three warm up matches en route to Nigeria.

They open their World Cup campaign in Enugu against Costa Rica on October 25, before tackling Burkina Faso on October 28, and relocating to Calabar to meet Turkey on October 31.

The match against Auckland kicks of at 1pm at the Croatian Cultural Society, McLeod Road, Henderson on Saturday. Admission is free.

Story courtesy of NZF Media

For the latest in NZ Football news visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) referee Peter O’Leary has been selected to officiate as the fourth match official in the opening round of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Cairo, Egypt, tomorrow.

O’Leary, a New Zealander, is part of a trio of Oceania match officials selected by FIFA and OFC to attend the World Cup and will preside over the second match of the championship tomorrow between Group A favourites Paraguay and Italy – a match that is being tipped as critical to both nations’ chances.

O’Leary is currently one of Oceania most experienced referees having begun his international officiating career in 2004 (Solomon Islands vs Australia).

In 2007 he officiated at the FIFA World Youth Cup in Canada and also the FIFA World Club Cup in Japan the same year. When he’s not on FIFA refereeing duties O’Leary works as a school teacher in Hamilton, New Zealand.

Also flying the flag for Oceania will be FIFA Referees’ Committee member Harry Atisson (VAN) who will be casting a keen eye over Group E officiating in Port Said as a referee assessor.

Assistant Referees Mathew Taro (SOL) and Brent Best (NZL) are the other two Oceania match officials to have passed FIFA’s stringent fitness tests and a theoretical course this week in Cairo. They will now sit-out the first round of group play as they await the second batch of officiating announcements.

A new chapter in Tahiti football history will be written this week as the U-20 national side gets set for its debut appearance at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009.

Never before has Tahiti featured at a FIFA World Cup finals and their opening challenge couldn’t be greater with a first-up match against Spain – one of the favourites of the U-20 tournament.

The match will be played at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo on Friday (25 September) with kick-off at 9:30pm local time.

Coach Lionel Charbionnier, a former goalkeeper who has one France cap to his name and was a non-playing member of Le Bleus squad that won France ’98, says his players face a difficult task ahead.

“I can't say if we're going to win any of our games but we'll be putting our hearts into each match and a lot of discipline too,” says Charbonnier, whose club career included time at Auxerre, Glasgow Rangers and Lausanne.

Charbonnier says he wants his players to approach the Spain match like a friendly international.

“It is a big occasion but I need my players to stay relaxed and play their natural game. They can’t do that if they feel too much pressure.” 

Meanwhile Spanish coach Luis Milla isn’t taking any chances against the underdogs.

“We can't afford to take Tahiti lightly because if you start a game badly, or lose concentration, you can make life difficult for yourself, especially when it’s your opening match.”

Tahiti Nui qualified for the FIFA U-20 World Cup by winning the OFC U-20 Championship on home soil in December last year, beating firm favourites New Zealand along the way.

In doing so they became the first island nation in Oceania to qualify for a FIFA tournament other than the Futsal and Beach Soccer World Cups.

Leading up to the FIFA event, the Tahitians have spent six weeks in France playing warm-up matches in Auxerre and Bordeaux plus a further one week acclimatising in Alexandria where they lost 0-2 to hosts Egypt last weekend. Earlier in the year the young squad played in the national men’s league – Tahitian D1 Championnat.

As outsiders in Egypt, Tahiti will need a strong showing from goalkeeper Teheipuarii Huata who was beaten just once during the qualifying tournament. At the other end of the field the Tehau brothers will look to combine on set pieces with Lorenzo a dead-ball specialist and Alvin having a strong eye for goal.

Likely stars for Spain include Daniel Parejo – currently on loan from Real Madrid at Getafe – and Sergio Asenjo – currently first-choice goalkeeper at Atletico de Madrid. 

Following the Spain clash, Tahiti will play Group B opponents Venezuala (28 September) and Nigeria (1 October). The 24-team tournament kicks off Thursday 24 September with the opening match between hosts Egypt and Trinidad & Tobago in Alexandria and runs until Friday 16 October.

Full tournament coverage will be provided by FIFA.com




FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Priscilla Duncan
Oceania Football Confederation
Media & Communications
T: +649 526 5651
F: +649 525 8164
M:+64 (0)21 884 018
E: priscilla@oceaniafootball.com

Joel Tiller
Oceania Football Confederation
Media & Communications
T: +649 526 5654
F: +649 525 8164
M:+64 (0)21 994 520
E: joel@oceaniafootball.com

AUCKLAND – Former All White Che Bunce faces a baptism of fire as new Waikato FC coach with his team opening the 2009-10 New Zealand Football Championship away to reigning champions Auckland City on October 25.

The solitary fixture on opening weekend is characteristic of a busy three-front season for Paul Posa’s Auckland. They begin their defence of the OFC Champions League (O-League) title on October 17 and face a trip to Abu Dhabi for a second crack at the FIFA Club World Cup in December.

When the NZFC swings into full action on November 1, last season’s beaten semi-finalists Team Wellington and YoungHeart Manawatu clash at Newtown Park, Auckland travel to Carisbrook to meet Otago, Waitakere host Canterbury United at Fred Taylor Park and Waikato welcome Hawke’s Bay to Ngaruawahia.

An expanded O-League with two final groups of four teams will see Auckland and Waitakere United play two extra continental fixtures each and has been accommodated domestically by the introduction of O-League windows into the NZFC draw.

Waitakere – under new player-coach Neil Emblen – start their quest to regain the O-League title in Noumea against New Caledonia champions AS Magenta on October 17.

The home leg of the All Whites’ crucial FIFA World Cup playoff against Bahrain in Wellington on November 14 has also been factored into the NZFC draw with only Team Wellington and YoungHeart Manawatu playing at home that weekend.

Wellington’s match against Auckland on the Saturday is being marketed as an appetiser for football fans in the capital to watch New Zealand’s shot at World Cup qualification, while fans of Manawatu and Waitakere can watch their teams clash in Palmerston North the next day.

The sixth season of the NZFC would also see more Sunday matches and a default kick-off time of 2pm with New Zealand Football’s Competitions Manager Glyn Taylor said the introduction of were designed to encourage regular attendance.

“The Sunday afternoon time slot is friendlier to families with kids who play Saturday sport but we also think the consistency allows fans to incorporate watching NZFC games into their summer routine,” Taylor said.

The home-and-away semi finals format introduced last season has been retained and will be played over the first two weekends in April, with the winners progressing to the final on Anzac Day.

Story courtesy of NZF Media

For the full NZFC draw visit www.nzfootball.co.nz