Discipline is key to the Fiji Under-19 football team’s 6-1 triumph over Vanuatu in the OFC U19 Championship in Apia, Samoa.
Fiji U19 coach Marika Rodu emphasized the importance of discipline, noting that no yellow cards were issued to his players. Fiji finished second in Group A behind the Solomon Islands, who defeated Tahiti 1-0.
The Fijians are expected to face New Zealand in the semifinal.
Rodu remarked that the team has reached the knockout stage of the tournament.
“This is where fatigue sets in after playing three 90-minute matches,” he said. “Recovery is important, and some players may not recover in time.”
Rodu reiterated that discipline was crucial in their victory, acknowledging that Vanuatu was not an easy opponent.
“The scoreline did not reflect how tough the game was. Vanuatu is a young, talented team who pushed Solomon Islands and Tahiti,” Rodu highlighted.
After a 3-0 loss to the Solomon Islands, Fiji came back stronger and more confident.
“There were no yellow cards shown to our players compared to the six we received in the first game,” Rodu said.
The Fiji U19 side trailed Vanuatu 1-0 early in the match.
Fiji U19 captain Peniasi Tirau said they felt significant pressure when they were behind.
“For me, especially as captain, it was crucial to equalize quickly, which I managed to do. From there, we had to work extra hard and raise the momentum in this must-win match,” he said.
The semifinals are set to take place next Monday.