Solomon Island takes down New Caledonia, 13-5: 2011 OFC Futsal Championship
The defending champions Solomon Island took down the New Caledonia Futsal team in the group's opening match of the 2011 Oceanic Football Confederation (OFC) Futsal Championship. The Solomon Island won by a convincing match score of 13-5, which was played on May 16, at the Vodafone Arena Suva, Fiji.
The New Caledonia team was hoping for a perfect start by winning the first match of the Championship. However, their hopes were shattered by the Solomon Island squad, also known as Kurukuru. The Solomon Island proved that they have the potential to go for a straight fourth win at the OFC Futsal Championship this year.
Solomon Islands' Coach, Dickson Kadau, expressed his happiness on the team's first victory and said, “His men were in the most determined frame of mind he had ever seen them and their desire to win was there for all to see this evening at Vodafone Arena”.
Further he said, “We played well but we will face harder games at this tournament. We are favourites to win the title so the players feel under pressure to do well but they are good at handling that. I think New Zealand will be the team to beat. They are a well-organised side and understand how to play to their system”.
The team has proved to be a potential contender to represent the Oceanic region at the 2012 FIFA Futsal Championship. Kurukuru's Elliot Ragomo lit the lamp five times by netting five goals for his team. He was the man who the spectators wanted to see in action.
New Caledonia prevented the Kurukuru to win a straight match and gave a tough fight. Cedrick Humuni stood-out amongst the rest and scored three goals for the New Caledonia's team. The score at the half-time was 6-3 in favour of Kurukuru.
In the second half, Kurukuru's Ragomo scored three consecutive goals to extend their lead by 13-3. Later, New Caledonia’s Romain Guitton responded by scoring a brace against Solomon Island. All their efforts went in vain as the Kurukuru's performance proved that they are going to qualify for the finals.
New Caledonia squad made individual errors, which were capitalised to the best by the opponent. The Solomon Islands will be facing Tahiti, whereas the New Caledonia will be fight against Tuvalu on May 17.
Tags: