Fiji’s football team is preparing for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania Qualifiers semi-final, scheduled for March 21 against New Zealand in Wellington. With captain and star striker Roy Krishna sidelined due to an ACL injury, head coach Rob Sherman emphasized the urgency of securing Fiji passports for eligible professional players before the match.
Sherman pointed out that they face challenges in accessing players who are actively competing abroad but lack a valid Fiji passport. Under FIFA regulations, these players are eligible to represent Fiji. He mentioned that professional athletes from teams like Leeds United, Vancouver, Toronto, and Auckland FC could significantly enhance the team’s performance if they can obtain their passports in time.
While working with the current squad, Sherman’s focus will be on maximizing the potential of other strikers, including Sairusi Nalaubu, Setareki Hughes, Thomas Dunn, Merrill Nand, Nabil Begg, Gabriel Matanasiga, Christopher Wasasala, Saula Waqa, and Etonia Dogalau, among others. He expressed confidence in the capabilities of these players to capitalize on scoring opportunities despite the absence of Krishna, who has an impressive record of 44 international goals in over 50 matches.
Sherman also acknowledged the need for improvements in several areas, including quick recovery of defensive shape after losing possession, reducing the risk of counter-attacks, and enhancing defensive strategies during set plays.
In summary, as Fiji gears up for this crucial matchup, the team remains focused on adaptability and maximizing their available talent, all while holding on to hope for a positive outcome despite the challenges they face. The resilience and determination shown by the squad could lead to an inspiring performance on the international stage.
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