Tahiti and 12 other national associations around the globe are in the race to host the 2011 and 2013 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cups.

The race is wide open and has reached a milestone following the signature of the bidding agreement of those countries expressing their interest in hosting one or both competitions.

The member associations that have sent the Bid Registration forms to FIFA by the established deadline of September 1 for one or both competitions are, in alphabetical order: Argentina, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Italy, Netherlands, Oman, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Switzerland and Tahiti.

The initial bidders list for both FIFA Beach Soccer World Cups is larger than ever and the diversity and quality of the contenders will make this a very interesting selection process. The interest shown proves the importance of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup as a truly universal event and demonstrates the global influence of this competition to achieve positive change, in line with FIFA’s development claims for the sport.

“We are delighted with the interest that beach soccer has raised in our National Associations and it reinforces the level of our involvement with this mode of football. We believe in the permanent success and growth of beach soccer” said Jérôme Valcke, Secretary General of FIFA.

The next step in the process will come on January 15, when member associations will submit the signed Hosting Agreements together with the relevant information on event experience and country infrastructure. The Final decision will be made by the FIFA Executive Committee in March 2010.

Story courtesy FIFA Media

The Solomon Islands have been knocked out of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Dubai after going down 1-6 to a classy Portuguese side in their final Group A match on Wednesday.

With everything to play for, both sides were ready to do battle on the beach, each having suffered disappointing group-stage losses the previous day. Within just seconds, magic Madjer had put Portugal ahead. The Solomon Islands nearly got a goal of their own on the ensuing kick-off, but the tone was set and few bright spots followed for the Bilikiki.

Soon thereafter, Belchior crushed a bullet just wide of the post, as goalkeeper and captain Fred Hale seemed continuously involved in the action. Finally, another got through and the shots kept coming, one glancing off the post, another batted away by Hale. The Solomon Islands seemed ready and willing to get back in the game, but it was beginning to look as if it would be a very long afternoon for them.

There was a bright spot for the Solomon Islands when Gibson Hosea slipped a clinical shot from distance just inside the post. But Portugal eventually extended their lead to five. After a rocky start, Portugal have qualified for the quarter-finals of Dubai 2009, while the Bilikiki Boys bid a fond farewell to Jumeirah Beach.

The Solomon Islands can go home with their heads held high after picking up three points in what was an extremely tough group. The team's 7-6 victory over South American powerhouse Uruguay - a team ranked 4th in the world - was a proud day for the Oceania representative.

Henry Koto and his side will now look ahead to the future and work hard to qualify for their fifth consecutive FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.  

FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Dubai 2009
Solomon Islands results

Monday 16 November
Uruguay vs. Solomon Islands
6-7 (2-4, 0-3, 4-0)

Tuesday 17 November
Solomon Islands vs. UAE
1-7 (1-2, 0-3, 0-2)

Wednesday 18 November
Portugal vs. Solomon Islands
6-1 (3-0, 0-0, 3-0)

Friday 20 November
Quarter Finals

Saturday 21 November
Semi Finals

Sunday 22 November
3rd/4th play-off
Final

Visit FIFA.com for full previews, reviews and live scoring

Photo courtesy FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

The Solomon Islands are preparing for their crucial final group match against Portugal at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Dubai on Wednesday and will have a whole nation behind them as they try to qualify for the quarter-final.

The Bilikiki also has the full backing of sporting brand Lotto who recently signed a new sponsorship deal with the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) to ensure the team is well equipped going into tournaments such as this one.

Lotto has provided thousands of dollars worth of equipment to help with preparations and New Zealand-based General Manager Blair Dawkins says the investment is well worth it.

“Beach soccer is an exciting new sport that has taken off in the Solomon Islands and throughout the Pacific. We want to be a part of that and show our support by sponsoring this successful team that has made it to the FIFA finals for a fourth consecutive time,” said Dawkins, who has been involved in the sporting goods industry for over 20 years.

“We wish the team the very best of luck as they compete against Portugal on Wednesday for a place in the quarter-final."

Group A has proven to be the most evenly balanced group in the tournament, with each team picking up three points and all still in with a chance to progress going into the final day.

A victory for the Solomon Islands will see them make history by becoming the first Oceania nation to go through to the knock-out stages of a FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. 

But after Tuesday's defeat at the hands of Uruguay, Portugal will also be hungry for a win. The Portuguese have proven too strong for the Solomon Islands on two previous occasions during the 2006 and 2008 group stages.

Solomon Islands match schedule:

Monday 16 November
Uruguay vs. Solomon Islands
6-7 (2-4, 0-3, 4-0)

Tuesday 17 November
Solomon Islands vs. UAE
1-7 (1-2, 0-3, 0-2)

Wednesday 18 November
Portugal vs. Solomon Islands

Friday 20 November
Quarter Finals

Saturday 21 November
Semi Finals

Sunday 22 November
3rd/4th play-off
Final

Visit FIFA.com for full previews, reviews and live scoring

Photo courtesy FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

 

The Solomon Islands have lost 1-7 to the United Arab Emirates in their second match at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Dubai on Tuesday.

After a dramatic 7-6 win against Urugay in their opening match, the Bilikiki could not follow that up with another win as the hosts proved too strong in front of a home crowd.  

UAE, desperate for three points after a heart-breaking loss to Portugal on day one, struck moments into the match to signal their intentions, as a melodic symphony from synchronised voices and assorted instruments cascaded down from their supporters. Karim Albalooshi was the goal-getter and he struck again soon after Solomon Islands’ goalkeeper Fred Hale had slipped a long shot under UAE goalkeeper Abbas Hussain to draw his side level.

Ibrahim Albalooshi’s direct-kick could not find its way through, but UAE continued to test their luck as the first period drew to a close, sending a number of well-taken shots goalward. And with just twelve seconds gone in the second period, Ibrahim Albalooshi put one in for UAE. Crafty forays forward followed from both sides, before Bakhit Alabadla and then Rami Al Mesaabi added a couple more for UAE.

Qambar Sadeqi drew gasps as his crushing strike found the back of the net midway through the final period, as Solomon Islands were forced to grow comfortable with the idea of sharing top spot in Group B. As UAE tallied another, it hardly seemed necessary, but the flag-waving UAE supporters did not seem to mind.

UAE face Uruguay tomorrow as the group stages draw to a close, while Solomon Islands have the challenging task of contending with a Portugal side eager for another win.

Solomon Islands match schedule:

Monday 16 November
Uruguay vs. Solomon Islands
6-7 (2-4, 0-3, 4-0)

Tuesday 17 November
Solomon Islands vs. UAE
1-7 (1-2, 0-3, 0-2)

Wednesday 18 November
Portugal vs. Solomon Islands

Friday 20 November
Quarter Finals

Saturday 21 November
Semi Finals

Sunday 22 November
3rd/4th play-off
Final

Visit FIFA.com for full previews, reviews and live scoring

Photo courtesy FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

The Solomon Islands survived a late onslaught to edge Uruguay 7-6 in what was an exhilarating start to their FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Dubai 2009 campaign. The Oceania representatives held a five-goal cushion with just six minutes remaining, but will be mightily relieved to have put three points on the board following a spirited comeback from their Group A rivals.

The infallible Ricar gave Uruguay an early avantage, but goals from Laua, Hosea, Muri and Wale sent Solomon Islands in 4-2 up at the first break. The South Americans were incapable of nullifying their underdogs’ counter-attacking style, with a quick-fire brace from Laua, which completed his hat-trick, and a strike from Omo making it 7-2 before the end of the second period.

However, midway through the concluding period, Uruguay found their rhythm, and four goals within three minutes – Martin and Ricar both completed doubles, while Pampero and Fabian were also on target – made for a thrilling last few minutes. The Charrúas threw everything forward in search of an equaliser, but the Solomons ultimately escaped with the points.

Uruguay - Solomon Islands
6-7 (2-4, 0-3, 4-0)

Uruguay: 6 (RICAR 2’43” PEN, 31’06”, MARTIN 9’30”, 28’13”, PAMPERO 28’52”, FABIAN 30’39”)
Solomon Islands: 7 (LAUA 5’25”, 14’23”, 14’46”, HOSEA 7’54”, MURI 8’25”, WALE 10’29”, OMO 21’30”)

Uruguay starting line-up: 1. DIEGO, 3. RICAR, 4. COCO, 5. PAMPERO, 6. MARTIN
Substitutes: 2. FABRICIO, 7. PARRILLO, 8. MIGUEL, 9. OLI, 10. FABIAN, 11. MATIUS, 12. LEANDRO

Solomon Islands starting line-up: 12. Fred HALE, 2. Timothy WALE, 7. Michael TAEMAN, 8. OMO, 10. James NAKA

Substitutes: 1. Henry PADAVERANO, 3. Franco NEE, 4. Eddie NGAITIN, 5. Hickly RENCE, 6. Muri MAKAA, 9. Robert LAUA, 11. Gibson HOSEA, 12. Fred HALE

Solomon Islands match schedule:

Monday 16 November
Uruguay vs. Solomon Islands
6-7 (2-4, 0-3, 4-0)

Tuesday 17 November
Solomon Islands vs. UAE

Wednesday 18 November
Portugal vs. Solomon Islands

Friday 20 November
Quarter Finals

Saturday 21 November
Semi Finals

Sunday 22 November
3rd/4th play-off
Final

Visit FIFA.com for full previews, reviews and live scoring

As they gear up for their fourth consecutive FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup this week in Dubai, the word from the Solomon Islands’ camp is that the current squad has just the right blend of youth and experience.

The Oceania champions have failed to survive the group stages in all three of their previous attempts, but this year Solomon Islands coach Henry Koto has set his players the target of reaching the quarter-finals; this despite having been grouped alongside powerhouses Portugal and Uruguay, as well as hosts United Arab Emirates.

Speaking exclusively to FIFA.com, Koto said, “This isn’t the first time we’ve played in the World Cup – in fact it’ll be our fourth appearance. Consequently, our players have gained a great deal of experience from previous editions, which will help us achieve our goal of reaching the knockout phase.”

Asked for his thoughts on his Group A rivals, the coach said his charges would not be intimidated and were ready to do battle with anyone. “All three sides are good, but then so are we. We haven’t just come here to make up the numbers – we intend to compete. I believe the morale and togetherness of the squad will help us provide stiff competition.”

Solomon Islands’ opening fixture will be against Uruguay, a team they also ran up against at Rio de Janeiro 2006, when the South Americans won 10 – 5.

Looking ahead to the game Koto said, “The match against Uruguay will be very tough, especially as it’s the first game of the tournament. We played them in 2006, but we’re a different side now, and the players are keen to get off to a winning start.”

The 33-year-old believes his squad have a balance of youth and experience this time around, saying, “We’ve a lot of talent in the team, including some new faces and some old hands. James Naka is the elder statesman, having been with us since 2006, while Robert Laua, who’s very skillful, as well as very young, is our newest recruit.”

Koto added that the team’s successive appearances at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup have helped them develop not only their skills, but also the understanding between players. “The team has improved a lot since our maiden appearance in 2006. Back then we just weren’t good enough. Now, however, the experience we’ve accrued and our intensive training regime should make a difference.”

The coach concluded the interview with his tip for top honours in Dubai: Portugal are a very strong team and the Brazilians are excellent. Without doubt, these are the two best sides in the tournament.”

FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Dubai 2009

Solomon Islands schedule:

Monday 16 November
Uruguay vs. Solomon Islands

Tuesday 17 November
Solomon Islands vs. UAE

Wednesday 18 November
Portugal vs. Solomon Islands

Friday 20 November
Quarter Finals

Saturday 21 November
Semi Finals

Sunday 22 November
3rd/4th play-off
Final

Story courtesy FIFA.com

The Solomon Islands beach soccer team has lost 1-3 to Switzerland in the first of two friendly matches in the Dubai this week ahead of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

Both warm up matches provide the Bilikiki a valuable opportunity to aclimatise to the hot conditions ahead of their opening World Cup match against Uruguay on Monday 16 November.

The FIFA tournament, which goes through until Sunday 22 November, includes 16 of the world's best beach soccer teams. It will be the fourth consecutive year that the Solomon Islands have represented Oceania at the event.

Bilikiki management were happy with the first up performance against a talented Switzerland side. The team will now look to try different strategies in the second friendly against the Europeans.

The matches follow on from a recent visit by Switzerland assistant coach Davor Ivcevic to the Solomon Islands to assist with preparations for the tournament. 

Ivcevic's tour was organised by Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) who have worked together to ensure the best possible build up for the Bilikiki.

As OFC’s representative on the world stage, the Solomon Islands will play alongside Ivory Coast and Nigeria (African qualifiers), Italy, Portugal, Russia, Spain and Switzerland (European qualifiers), Costa Rica and El Salvador (CONCACAF qualifiers), Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay (CONMEBOL qualifiers) plus Japan and Bahrain (Asian qualifiers) as well as the United Arab Emirates who gain automatic entry as hosts.

They will face tough competition in the first round of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup after being drawn in Group A alongside Portugal, Uruguay and hosts UAE.

FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Dubai 2009

Solomon Islands schedule:

Monday 16 November
Uruguay vs. Solomon Islands

Tuesday 17 November
Solomon Islands vs. UAE

Wednesday 18 November
Portugal vs. Solomon Islands

Friday 20 November
Quarter Finals

Saturday 21 November
Semi Finals

Sunday 22 November
3rd/4th play-off
Final

The Solomon Islands national beach soccer team has received another preparation boost ahead of the upcoming FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Dubai from 16-22 November.

Known as the Bilikiki, the national side will depart for the United Arab Emirates on Friday - one week earlier than originally scheduled.

Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) General Secretary Eddie Ngava confirmed this week that the team will have one week for friendly matches and training in Dubai before the tournament.

“SIFF and Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) are working together to ensure that the team has the best training possible,” said Ngava.

“As part of the team’s preparation an expert overseas coach has come in to assist the team locally and they will also have three friendly matches in Dubai before the World Cup kicks off, hence, their early departure."

The team completed a week of training with Switzerland assistant beach soccer coach Davor Ivcevic last week. Feedback from the players was positive with several crediting Ivecic for giving them a deeper understanding of their strengths and weaknesses.

The Bilikiki went into training straight after winning the OFC Beach Soccer Championship Tahiti Nui in July and maintained a steady schedule.

Team Manager Rueben Oimae told local media this week that he is satisfied that his squad has shown excellent application to their required training regime and this dedication has lifted the quality of their play accordingly.

“Our aim is to reach the second round and we have put all our training towards achieving that,” Oimae said.

The Bilikiki are in a highly challenging Pool D along with United Arab Emirates, Uruguay and former champions Portugal. This will be Solomon Islands fourth consecutive FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup appearance.

FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Dubai 2009
Solomon Islands schedule:

Monday 16 November
Uruguay vs. Solomon Islands

Tuesday 17 November
Solomon Islands vs. UAE

Wednesday 18 November
Portugal vs. Solomon Islands

Friday 20 November
Quarter Finals

Saturday 21 November
Semi Finals

Sunday 22 November
3rd/4th play-off
Final

Courtesy of SIFF Media

The Solomon Island Bilikiki are receiving expert assistance from a seasoned European beach soccer coach in Honiara this week ahead of their trip to Dubai next month for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2009.

Davor Ivcevic, assistant coach and squad member of Switzerland's beach soccer team, arrived on Monday and will take the Bilikiki through an intensive one-week training programme. 

Switzerland will also participate in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, which kicks off on 16 November and involves 16 of the world's best teams.  

Eddie Ngava, General Secretary of the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF), says that his goal is for the team to have the best training possible before departing for the FIFA tournament. Ngava also confirmed that SIFF has made plans for the team to arrive one week prior to the World Cup in order for Ncevic to join the team in Dubai and oversee further training and acclimatisation.

SIFF requested a professional coach through Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) earlier this year to assist the team after it won the OFC Beach Soccer Championship Tahiti Nui in August and qualified for their fourth consecutive FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

SIFF initially requested Switzerland’s head coach, Angelo Schirinzi, who ruled himself out due to commitments with their national side. Schirinzi then appointed Ncevic to help out the Solomon squad on his behalf.

Ivcevic says that his training program will largely focus on the tactical aspects of beach soccer. When asked to nominate specific areas of the Bilikiki’s play that require improvement Ncevic says he will work on the team’s defence and finishing.

"I am satisfied with the skill level of the players but I think more work needs to be done in areas like making use of space as a tactic and other advanced team techniques," Ivcevic said.

Bilikiki team manager Rueben Oimae says that he is very happy with the arrival of Ivcevic.

"I think the team will benefit a lot from his work here," Oimae said.

The Bilikiki will be in a training camp for the entirety of Vcevics’ visit this week and are undertaking two intensive training sessions per day.

They will face tough competition in the first round of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup after being drawn in Group A alongside Portugal, Uruguay and hosts UAE.



Bilikiki coach Henry Koto (left) with Swiss coach Davor Ivcevic

The Solomon Islands National Beach Soccer coach Henry Koto says his team remains determined to reach the second round at this November's 2009 Beach Soccer World Cup in Dubai, despite being placed in a gruelling pool.

The Bilikiki are grouped in Pool A along with Portugal, Uruguay, and hosts the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after the official FIFA draw last weekend.

Portugal and Uruguay are both former Beach Soccer World Cup finalists and will be extremely tough opposition.

Speaking for the first time after the draws were announced, Koto is remaining upbeat whilst acknowledging that the Bilikiki’s pool is a tough one.

"Nevertheless, the boys are confident that we will do well and improve on our past record at World Cups."

"This is a World Cup and we expect it to be tough, so this draw did not come as a shock," Koto added.

Koto also restated that the aim of the team remains the same, and that is to progress to the second round.

The Bilikiki will play their opening game against Uruguay in what will be their second meeting against the South Americans at a Beach Soccer World Cup. The Bilikiki previously met Uruguay at the 2006 Beach Soccer World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where the South American giants handed the Pacific Islanders a 10 – 5 defeat. Uruguary later progressed to the finals where it lost to Brazil.

Team Manager, Rueben Oimae, backed his coach saying that his team is still confident that they can win their opener against Uruguay. He added that the prospect of playing international friendlies will further boost the team’s ability to find top form ahead of their World Cup opening match.

Portugal

The Solomon Islands has played against Portugal in every one of its campaigns in the World Cup so far. The former World Champions have an unbeaten record against Bilikiki but the Pacific Islanders are optimistic that they have learnt enough to turn the tables against the European giants at this championship.

Portugal boasts one of the best Beach Soccer players to have ever graced the sand in the form of Madjer. Madjer won the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Player of the Tournament award in 2005 and 2006.

Banking On Experience

Koto says that he expects an experienced core of players in this 2009 Bilikiki team to display a higher level of play at this World Cup.

For Gideon Omokirio, James Naka, Eddie Ngaitini and Fred Hale this will be the fourth time that they will play in a Beach Soccer World Cup. Koto believes that it is this experience combined with the aggressive style of the younger players in the squad that will lift the Bilikiki.

Some of the new players in the Bilikiki team are already making ripples in the beach side code in just their first appearances. Robert Laua impressed spectators and even the team management with his agility and speed on the sand in the OFC Qualifiers in Tahiti last month.

"Robert is new but he is very good, he is quick footed and also quick to recover for defence," Koto said.

Robert Laua was already a local household name in Futsal when he impressed National Beach Soccer selectors with his performance in the Honiara Beach Soccer League last year.

Bilikiki’s second match will be against hosts United Arab Emirates. They will need to take wins against both Uruguay and UAE to meet their goal of a berth in the second round.

Courtesy of SIFF Media

The Solomon Islands will face tough competition in the first round of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Dubai 2009 after being drawn in Group A alongside Portugal, Uruguay and hosts UAE.

FIFA’s official draw took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre overnight and featured several stars of world football including New Caledonian native and France 98 winner Christian Karembeu.

In what will be their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance, the Bilikiki team have avoided big names such as Brazil and Spain but will still face two of the world’s top four teams in Paraguay and Uruguay. The Oceania champions have a FIFA world ranking of 14 while Portugal, Uruguay and UAE are ranked 3rd, 4th and 19th respectively.

Portugal will arguably pose the biggest threat after an impressive display at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Marseille 2008 where they beat Italy in the 3rd/4th place playoff having earlier lost 4-5 in the semi-final to eventual winners Brazil. The Portuguese have also proved too strong for the Solomon Islands on two previous occasions during the 2006 and 2008 group stages.

Uruguay were runners-up at FIFA’s pinnacle event in 2006 and followed that up with a third placing the following year. In their only World Cup match up with the Solomon Islands in 2006, the South Americans ran out 10-5 winners.

Meanwhile UAE have appeared in the past two FIFA events finishing 14th and 10th respectively.

The official draw was conducted by Joao Cusco, a member of the FIFA Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee, and also featured Ramiro Amarelle, Spain’s hugely talented beach soccer captain who won the adidas Golden Ball and Silver Shoe winner at Marseille 2008, local hero Backhit Saad, a former professional footballer and now a star member of the UAE team, and Christian Karembeu.

The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Dubai 2009 will take place on Jumeirah Beach from 16-22 November. AFC is set to hold its qualifiers shortly to determine Asia’s two participating teams that will complete the 16-team line-up.

The draw for the group phase is as follows:

Group A
A1-UAE
A2-Portugal
A3-Uruguay
A4-Solomon Islands

Group B
B1-Spain
B2-Asia 1
B3-Côte d'Ivoire
B4-El Salvador

Group C
C1-Russia
C2-Costa Rica
C3-Argentina
C4-Italy

Group D
D1-Brazil
D2-Nigeria
D3-Switzerland
D4-Asia 2

The Solomon Islands national men’s Beach Soccer team has begun its final training preparations leading into the 2009 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Dubai this 16-22 November.

According to the team manager, Rueben Oimae, this week marks the start of an intensive training regimen that is aimed at taking the team one step further than they’ve been before - into the knockout stages at the World Cup.

From this week the team will have daily training sessions to help the players to sharpen their skills for the ultimate competition in this form of the ‘beautiful game.’ The team is also aiming to go into camps dedicated to nothing other than group training every two weeks.

The training camps will help the players to develop a bond that will be essential in maintaining morale when the team is far away from the home and loved ones. Regular gym sessions are also planned for the team to help them build strength and conditioning.

Manager Rueben Oimae stressed that a full and intense preparation will be vital if the Bilikikis are to improve on past efforts at past World Cups at this year’s event in Dubai. Oimai went on to say that an unconfirmed number of friendly warm-up matches are currently being arranged and added that the team met with Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) officials in Auckland to discuss how OFC can help the team in its preparations.

“These (potential) matches will help the team to identify any weaknesses and strengthen them before the actual tournament’ Oimae said.

The Solomon Islands qualified for the 2009 Beach Soccer World Cup after beating Vanuatu 1-0 in the final of the Oceania Football Confederation World Cup Qualifiers on Moorea Island in Tahiti last month.

It is the fourth year in a row that the Bilikiki will represent Oceania at the Beach Soccer World Cup. 

Bilikiki Training Squad

1. James Naka (C)
2. Fred Hale (VC) (GK)
3. Felix Ray Jnr. (GK)
4. Henry Padaverana  (GK)
5. Abraham Izomo (GK)
6. Gideon Omokirio
7. Eddie Ngaitini
8. Timothy Wale
9. Robert Laua
10. Gibson Hosea
11. Franco Ne’e
12. Nicholas Muri
13. Augustine Anisi
14. Michael Taeman
15. Elliot Ragomo
16. George Wagena
17. Hickley Rence
18. Henry Fa’arodo

Team Manager  –  Rueben Oimae
Coach    –  Henry Koto
Team Doctor  – Dr. Patrick Houasia

Courtesy of SIFF Media

The Solomon Islands have defended their OFC Beach Soccer Championship for the third tournament in a row and have secured World Cup Qualification with a 1-0 win over Vanuatu in the final at Temae Beach, Moorea.

In a extremely close and hard fought final the Bilikiki Boys came away deserved winners after generating more goal scoring opportunities and maintaining their composure and structure through-out.

Gibson Hosea Purasi scored from a long range shot in the second period that skidded along the sand and took a wickard bounce, leaping from toe height to shoulder and giving Vanuatu keeper Chikau Mansale no chance. It was a cruel moment for Mansale and a totally unpredictable bounce.

Mansale was otherwise outstanding for his team and made three excellent saves, including one from a penalty taken by James Naka, in the first five minutes.

In turn, Francois Sakama forced an excellent diving save from Timothy Wale at the other end and a follow up save from the rebound - that was to be Vanuatu's best scoring opportunity of the match.

A moderately strong cross wind favoured Solomons in the first period.

Both teams were struggling with their set-pieces in the gusty conditions and missed a series of direct freekicks in good positions.

Solomon's player Eddie Ngaitin was shown a yellow card and Vanuatu's Francois Sakama also - both for lunging fouls and both in the second period.

The third and final period saw Mansale having to make another fine save in goal early in the piece.

Mansale then made two more excellent reflex saves to deny Franco Nee's diving header and James Naka's sharp turn and shot.

Vanuatu never stopped running and were committed in defence, but despite their best efforts the Solomons gave them only a handful of half chance opportunities to score.

Solomons coach Henry Koto was extremely proud of his team's performance. 

"We having been building up our performance from day one until the final today. This final was a very, very hard game but the boys showed strong spirit to win. Vanuatu really tested us today, but the boys stayed organised and confident through-out and we are now very proud to again go to the World Cup, we will prepare as hard as we can to match-up to our opposition there."

And Koto revealed his team has a new goal for their fourth World Cup appearance in Dubai this November.

This year we will be aiming for the second round, we will be giving it our all to reach the second round."

Vanuatu captain Seimata Chillia was proud of his team's tournament performance that saw them finish as the only team to win all their group matches.  

"We started this tournament on a high with the win over Solomons, then we managed to stay unbeaten until the final and we did our best to beat Solomons again but they were good enough to take it 1-0."

And Chillia was quick to pay credit to the Solomon's tournament performance.

"Good luck to Solomons, they took their chances today, so all the best to them in Dubai. We will go back home and learn some more lessons from this for next time," said Chillia.

Solomon Island's captain James Naka has been named the Championship's Golden Boot winner for his haul of 7 goals and also takes home the Player of the Tournament award.

Vanuatu captain Seimata Chillia took the Fair Play award on behalf of his team.

And Vanuatu keeper Chikau Mansale was awarded the Golden Gloves award for best goal keeper. 

Solomon Islands 1-0 Vanuatu (0-0, 1-0, 0-0)

Solomon Islands: Gibson Hosea PURASI 4:22';

Yellow cards: Francois SAKAMA 0:44' (Van); Eddie NGAITIN 7:29' (Solo)

Solomon Islands: 2. Timothy WALE; 8. Gideon OMOKIRIO; 10. James NAKA; 11. Gibson Hosea PURASI; Fred HALE;

Substitutes: 1. Henry PADAVERANA; 3. Franco NEE; 4. Eddie NGAITIN; 5. Augustine ANISI; 6. Nicholas Muri MAKAA; 7. Michael Joe TAEMAN; 9. Robert LAUA

VANUATU: 1. Chikau MANSALE; 2. Ken MASAUVAKALO; 6. Fredy VAVA; 7. Seimata CHILLIA; 13. Francois SAKAMA;  

Substitutes: 3. Robert TOM; Nawal NARUKAVE; 8. Silas NAMATAK; 9. Derk MALAS; 10. Jonah TURU; 11. Fenedy MASAUVAKALO; 20. Presley John GARAE; 

Tahiti has won its 3rd/4th play-off match against Fiji after fighting back from being a goal down three times to win 6-3.

Valerio Nawatu opened scoring when he was at the end of a quick counter-attack which he finished with a powerful low shot into the far post corner of the net.

Substitute Eizo Arai equalised for Tahiti with an un-opposed header at the back post from a cross midway through the period.

But Fijian substitute Shailendra Buisena latched onto some ponderous passing at the back by Tahiti and thumped a low first time shot past the stranded Tahiti keeper for a 2-1 first period lead.

In the second minute of the second period Jean Claude Chang Koei Chang brought Tahiti level again with a follow up shot from a rebound off the Fijian keeper - who only seconds earlier had saved a penalty.

Nawatu again gave his team the lead early in the second period but Angelo Tchen again equalised for the hosts from a direct freekick and Arai scored his second goal soon after with a header deflection off of a teamate's shot at goal.  

Teva Zaveroni and Roihau Degage joined the goal scoring action in the third to give Tahiti a comfortable three goa winning margin.

Tahiti player/coach Sebastien Labayen said his team is disapointed but know what the must improve.

"It is positive to finish with a win today but we are still very disappointed. We had 33 trainings for this and we wanted to win the Championship. We have to play more with the spirit of Beach Soccer, like the Solomons, they have the Beach Soccer mentality and they respect the spirit of Beach Soccer - we must play more like that."  

Tahiti 6-3 Fiji (1-2, 4-2, 1-0)

Tahiti: 1. Rehia DAVIO; 3, Angelo TCHEN; 7. Raimana LI FUNG KUEE; 9. Teva ZAVERONI; 11. Jean Claude CHANG KOEI CHANG

Substitutes: 2. Sebastien LABAYEN; 4. John HOFFMAN; 5. Stephen LEFOC; 6. Kenny NUI; 8. Eizo ARAI; 10. Roihau DEGAGE; 12. Franck REVEL; 

Fiji: 2. Kamal HASSAN; 3. Valerio NAWATU; 8. Alvin AVINESH; 10. Taniela Evo WAQA; 12. Beniamino Mojito MATEINAQARA;

Substitutes: 1. Alivereti BALELOA; 4. Shonal Joel SHARMA; 5. Sandeep NAIR; 6. Abinesh Sailesh SAMY; 7. Shailendra BUISENA; 9. Muni Arvindra NAIDU;

Will it be third time lucky or a case of history repeating? That is the question to be answered in today’s 2009 Tahiti Nui Beach Soccer Championship final between defending champs the Solomon Islands and arch-rivals Vanuatu.

As has been the case in previous years, today’s final will decide which national team will represent Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) at the World Cup in Dubai this November.

And like the 2006 and 2007’s Championship finals, qualification again will be decided by a do-or-die rematch between Solomon Islands (winners in both previous finals) and the team that has beaten them in group play in each tournament, Vanuatu.

For Vanuatu a loss today will feel very much like ‘groundhog day.’

In 2006 Vanuatu beat Solomon’s in their tournament opening match 9-4 only to lose their Championship final rematch 6-2.

In 2007 the Solomons were again upset in their opening match 2-3 by Vanuatu, but again that result was reversed in the final 5-3.

Vanuatu will take confidence from remaining unbeaten through-out group play this week with three wins from three matches; 4-2 against SI, a 5-4 extra-time win over Fiji and a 5-3 victory over Tahiti under their belts.  

Vanuatu: Goals for 14; Goals against 9. (Three wins)
Solomon Islands: Goals for 17; Goals against 8. (Two wins, One loss)
Tahiti: Goals for 15; against 14. (One win, Two losses)
Fiji Goals for 11; against 26. (Three losses)

Click here to find a gallery of photos taken by OFC during the day one Beach Soccer matches between Vanuatu v Solomons and Tahiti v Fiji. 

Vanuatu continued their trend of toppling the reigning OFC champions in their first-up Championship fixtures, winning 4-2 in extratime. Tommorrow's final will see an intriguing rematch between these two teams with World Cup qualification at stake.

Tahiti got their tournament off to a rousing start with a 10-5 win over a fired-up Fijian team. 

Here are some images from day one:

After a well deserved rest day, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu are ready to square-off in tomorrow’s final of the Tahiti Nui Beach Soccer to see who will qualify for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2009 while Fiji and Tahiti will meet in the 3rd/4th play-off. For fans wanting to know what time the matches kick off in their own country, oceaniafootball.com is pleased to bring you the following information: 

LOCAL KICK-OFF TIMES FOR TAHITI NUI BEACH SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP

American Samoa
Play-off 3rd/4th: 10:00am Friday 31 July
Final: 12:30pm Friday 31 July

Cook Islands
Play-off 3rd/4th: 11:00am Friday 31 July
Final: 1:30pm Friday 31 July

Fiji
Play-off 3rd/4th: 9:00am Saturday 1 August
Final: 11:30am Saturday 1 August

New Caledonia
Play-off 3rd/4th: 8:00am Saturday 1 August
Final: 10:30am Saturday 1 August

New Zealand
Play-off 3rd/4th: 9:00am Saturday 1 August
Final: 11:30am Saturday 1 August

Papua New Guinea
Play-off 3rd/4th: 7:00am Saturday 1 August
Final: 9:30am Saturday 1 August

Samoa
Play-off 3rd/4th: 10:00am Friday 31 July
Final: 12:30pm Friday 31 July

Solomon Islands
Play-off 3rd/4th: 8:00am Saturday 1 August
Final: 10:30am Saturday 1 August

Tahiti (HOST)
Play-off 3rd/4th: 11:00am Friday 31 July
Final: 1:30pm Friday 31 July

Tonga
Play-off 3rd/4th: 9:00am Saturday 1 August
Final: 11:30pm Saturday 1 August

Vanuatu
Play-off 3rd/4th: 8:00am Saturday 1 August
Final: 10:30am Saturday 1 August

OFC is committed to bringing fans live text updates for its competitions but limited internet access at the venue in Tahiti does not cater for this. Results and full match reports will be available on oceaniafootball.com as soon as possible after the matches tomorrow. OFC thanks fans for their understanding and continued support of Oceania Beach Soccer.

May the best team win!

OFC is pleased to bring you a photo gallery of images from day three's matches; Fiji v Solomons and Tahiti v Vanuatu shot by our staff at Temae Beach.  

Solomon Islands booked their spot in Friday's World Cup Qualification final with 11-2 win over Fiji and then Vanuatu turned around a 1-3 deficit to beat Tahiti in the days second match - also qualifying for the final.