After securing second place in their pool during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the Digicel Bula Boys are preparing for a crucial semi-final match against New Zealand set for March next year.
In an interview from New Zealand, coach Rob Sherman reflected on his team’s recent performances in their final pool matches against Papua New Guinea (PNG) and New Caledonia. While he praised the team for their efforts, he also provided constructive criticism regarding certain aspects of their play.
“We aimed to win both games, and our performance against PNG was strong,” Sherman noted. “However, we conceded three soft goals, which was disappointing given that we dominated the game. We are addressing these issues and will continue to improve.”
Sherman acknowledged a lack of consistency in the second half of the match against New Caledonia, which allowed the opponents to challenge them. “We didn’t maintain our standards in the second half, which ultimately cost us. If we had finished strong, we could have gained a victory and avoided facing New Zealand in the semi-final.”
Despite these challenges, Sherman remains optimistic about the team’s potential. “Looking ahead to the semi-final, thorough preparation is crucial. We plan to have potentially three training camps before the match, and I’ll be coordinating with Fiji FA to ensure all necessary arrangements are in place.”
The focus will be on enhancing the players’ fitness levels. “Our goal is to improve the boys’ fitness so they can execute the style of football we want. It’s going to be an exciting game, and we’re eagerly anticipating it.”
Reflecting on the qualifiers, Sherman praised the overall performance of his team, especially as some key players will return from suspension for the semi-final.
“Everyone performed well throughout the campaign, and we hope to have a smooth transition as players go back to their clubs for now,” he said. Sherman outlined a plan to maintain players’ conditioning during the break and emphasized collaboration with their respective clubs to keep the team on track.
With dedicated preparations underway, Coach Sherman is confident that his team’s hard work will yield positive results as they aim for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup against New Zealand.
This journey highlights not only the team’s resilience but also the importance of teamwork and preparation in sports. Fans can look forward to a thrilling match that showcases the dedication and effort of the Bula Boys as they strive for success on the international stage.
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