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.

Vanuatu  have celebrated their National Independence Day by overturning a 1-3 deficit to beat Tahiti 5-3, sealing a place in the OFC Beach Soccer final against the Solomons at Temae Beach this Friday.

Vanuatu captain Seimata Chillia opened scoring, smashing home his team's first goal early in the first period.

Vanuatu went on to dominate possession and most of the attacking opportunities in the first period.

But early in the second period Tahiti awoke, snatching three goals in two minutes to Raimana Li Fung Kuee, Jean Claude Chang Koei Chang and Teva Zaveroni as Vanuatu looked shell-shocked.

However, Vanuatu began to regather themselves as they pegged one goal back through a fine run and powerful shot from Francois Sakama.

Captain Chillia then drew them level with his second before delivering a poin-point corner for Sakama to chest cleverly into the Tahiti goal for a one goal lead at the end of the second period.

And it was Sakama who completed his hat-trick in the third period, killing off Tahiti's hopes during an intese final period of play with a powerful shot from a wide angle on the pitch.

Vanuatu coach Richard Iwai was pleased that his team showed greater application to their game plan than previously during their 5-4 overtime win against Fiji on day two.

"I was pleased with how they were playing in the first period but then they started to lose concentration again and as Tahiti took the lead they weren't playing the formation I told them to."

"At the second period break I told them to stick to the game plan and they did this for the rest of the match, so I was very happy with this. But this was not a perfect game from us today, it was better but I still expect for them to improve against the Solomons in the final." 

Vanuatu 5-3 Tahiti (1-0, 1-3, 3-0)

Tahiti: Raimana LI FUNG KUEE 10:14' (P2); Jean Claude CHANG KOEI CHANG 9:23' (P2); Teva ZAVERONI 8:18' (P2);

Vanuatu: Seimata CHILLIA 7:32' (P1), 10:03' (P3); Francois SAKAMA 2:55' (P2), 8:30', 5:15' (P3);  

Tahiti: 1. Rehia DAVIO; 4. John HOFFMAN; 5. Stephen LEFOC; 6. Kenny NUI; 8. Teva ZAVERONI;

Vanuatu: 1. Chikau MANSALE; 2. Ken MASAUVAKALO; 6. Fredy VAVA; 7. Seimata CHILLIA; 11. Fenedy MASAUVAKALO;   

The Solomon Islands have all but cemented their place in the OFC Beach Soccer Championship final with an 11-2 win over Fiji in their day three match at Temae Beach, Moorea Island, Tahiti.

Gideon Omokirio opened scoring with a double strike inside of the first minute.

James Naka added the Solomons third midway through the period and that was closely followed by Franco Nee scoring their fourth.

Naka then scored his second and third goals to complete his hat-trick and put the Biliki Boys ahead by six goal at the end of first period.

Nicholas Muri Makaa scored their seventh early in the second period, a further two Solomons goals followed before Fiji finally got one back through an excellent long range strike from Alvin Avinesh.

Fiji dug deep to hold the Solomons to just two goals in the final period and Avinesh added his second to cap off a strong individual performance.

Naka scored added another tripple (P2 & P3) to take his haul to six for the match, afterwards he acknowledged his team alway plays better under pressure.

"I don't really know why we always lose our first game to Vanuatu at the Beach Soccer qualifiers, maybe maybe it is a (mental) thing... But we also also always go on to win the final, one hundred percent success, so we still have a lot of confidence."

And Naka had an ominous prediction regarding his teams' level of play.

"Now we are building up and getting better each game and I think we are now playing our normal game, and I think we can still improve our level for the final."  

Solomon Islands: 2. Timothy WALE; 8. Gideon OMOKIRIO; 9. Robert LAUA; 10. James NAKA; 12. Fred HALE;

Fiji: 3. Valerio NAWATU; 5. Sandeep NAIR; 9. Muni Arvindra NAIDU; 10. Taniela Evo WAQA; 12. Beniamino Mojito MATEINAQARA

Day three is looming as ‘crunch day’ for Tahiti, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands as they all battle for a spot in the 2009 Tahiti Nui Beach Soccer Championship Final.

First up today, the Solomons appear to be in a strong position to make the qualification final as they face winless Fiji in today’s first match.

As in 2006 and 2007 the Solomons raised their game under pressure on day two to comfortably beat Tahiti 4-2. History indicates the Solomons improve as each tournament progresses while Fiji’s inexperience and hasty preparation for this event has hamstrung their undeniable talent.

Double strikes from midfielder Augustine Anisi and Nicholas Muri Makaa saw the Biliki Boys take control of yesterday’s game against  Tahiti, demonstrating they can win well without relying solely on their star forward James Naka. In fact, the winning margin could have been higher for the Solomons had not Naka missed a first period penalty and they not conceded an own goal. 

Solomon’s coach Henry Koto praised his team’s mental toughness and self belief post- match on day two describing their performance as “a statement.”

“The boys weren’t nervous before the game, they always believed they would win, they always had confidence. The boys were a bit disorganised in the first period but in the second they came back more organised and picked up the pace and took the game.”

Looking ahead to today’s crucial match against Fiji, Koto again nominated organisation/structure and individual confidence as they keys to his team beating Fiji.

Vanuatu were less convincing winners against Fiji yesterday, eventually prevailing 5-4 in extra time after surrendering 3-0 and 4-2 leads in normal time.

Coach Richard Iwai was far from happy with his teams’ concentration lapses.

“This is not how I expect us to play. We gave away a lot of ball and when we had a three goal lead we relaxed and didn't keep playing," commented a clearly displeased Iwai.

Despite this concentration lapse Vanuatu remain in a strong position for a final berth. They have a positive point differential, tied with Tahiti, and are the only unbeaten team so far.

Of some concern for them may be an abdominal injury to keeper Chikau Mansale who required assistance from the field and treatment post-match.

Tahiti are well aware that they must win today, and win well. Player/coach Sebastien Labayen cut a sober figure post-match yesterday, describing his teams’ approach to the game against the Solomons as being “like a final for us.”

“I think the main difference to day was experience. We feel that the Solomons are very self assured. We must prepare for tomorrow and concentrate on our teamwork because we have to win.” 

For daily updates see oceaniafootball.com for match reports and photos

Vanuatu: Goals for 9; Goals against 6. (Two wins)
Solomon Islands: Goals for 6; Goals against 6. (One win, One loss)
Tahiti: Goals for 12; against 9. (One win, One loss)
Fiji Goals for 9; against 15. (Two losses)
 
 Match Day 3 – 29 July 2009
11H00 Solomon Islands Fiji Temae Beach
13H30 Tahiti Vanuatu Temae Beach
 
 Match Day 4 – 31 July 2009
11H00 3rd 4th Temae Beach
13H30 1st 2nd Temae Beach

OFC Beach Soccer Championship History

OFC Beach Soccer Championship New Zealand 2007 – Final Standings
1. Solomon Islands
2. Vanuatu
3. New Zealand
4. Tahiti
 
OFC Beach Soccer Championship Tahiti 2006 – Final Standings
1. Solomon Islands
2. Vanuatu
3. Tahiti
4. Cook Islands
 
Further information from:
OFC Media Department | T +649 526 5651 or +649 526 5654| F +649 525 8164 | E media@oceaniafootball.com

As Oceania Beach Soccer fans prepare for day three action at the Tahiti Nui Championship on Moorea Island, OFC profiles the man whose two goals dragged his team to a 5-4 extra time win over Fiji on Tuesday, Vanuatu's Seimata Chillia.

Age: 26

Hometown: Port Villa

Beach Soccer club?

Tupuji FC.

Favorite food?

Fish, especially Tuna.

Favorite music/musician?

Reggae, Lucky Dube may he rest in peace.

How many OFC Beach Soccer Championships have you played at?

This is my third – 2006, 2007.

What is your favorite Beach Soccer memory?

The 2006 Championship final which we lost to Solomons 2-3. That was a great match, very exciting to play in.

Do you have a team you like playing against the most?

I like playing against the Solomon Islands because they are the hardest to beat. It’s good to test yourself against them and we’ve had some great matches.

Who is your favorite player?

Cristiano Ronaldo.

What do you like about Beach Soccer as opposed to eleven aside soccer?

I like that Beach Soccer is played on a small pitch so there is less emphasis on running and more freedom to try things, lots of different techniques and especially scissor/overhead kicks. You have the freedom to experiment in Beach Soccer.

What are you expecting from your team this year?

The Solomon Islands have come back from 0-1 down to beat Tahiti 4-2 in the second fixture on match day two at the OFC Beach Soccer Championship in Moorea, Tahiti.

Tahiti's Teva Zaveroni opened scored from a long range direct free kick midway through the first spell. 

But Nicholas Muri Makaa equalised with a calmly taken penalty attempt after a Solomon attacker was fouled in a scoring position by Sebastien Labayen. 

Augustine Anisi then put the Solomons ahead with a well taken shot from a wide angle just inside the Tahiti half and added his second only a minute later to put them two goals clear.

However, Tahiti were handed a lifeline just seconds before the end of the second period when the Biliki Boys conceded an own goal.

Nicholas Muri Makaa then scored the Biliki's fourth in the third period with a precisely placed shot after finding space and time in the middle of the pitch.

Solomons coach Henry Koto was delighted with his team's improvement after losing their opening match on Monday.

"I am very happy with the way the boys played today, they really stepped it up after being a bit disorganised at the start and they picked up the pace after that. They really made a statement with this performance," Koto said.

Solomons 4-2 Tahiti (0-1, 3-1, 1-0)

Solomons 4: Nicholas Muri MAKAA 5:23' (P2), 6:12' (P3); Augustine ANISI 3:02', 1:35' (P2);  

Tahiti 2: Teva Zaveroni 2:44' (P1), Roihau DEGAGE 0:41' (P2)  

Tahiti: 1. Rehia DAVIO; 2. Sebastien LABAYEN; 3. Angelo TCHEN; 7. Raimana LI FUNG KUEE; 9. Teva ZAVERONI

Substitutes: 4. John HOFFMAN; 5. Stephen LEFOC; 6. Kenny NUI; 8. Eizo ARAI; 10. Roihau DEGAGE; 11. Jean Claude CHANG KOEI CHANG; 12. Franck REVEL;  

Solomon Islands: 2. Timothy WALE; 8. Gideon OMOKIRIO; 10. James NAKA; 11. Gibson Hosea PURASI; 12. 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;

With kickoff fast approaching in match day two's fixture between host nation Tahiti and Solomon Islands Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) brings you the starting lists for both teams.

Tahiti: 1. Rehia DAVIO; 2. Sebastien LABAYEN; 3. Angelo TCHEN; 7. Raimana LI FUNG KUEE; 9. Teva ZAVERONI

Solomon Islands: 2. Timothy WALE; 8. Gideon OMOKIRIO; 10. James NAKA; 11. Gibson Hosea PURASI; 12. Fred HALE