Discipline proved to be the key to the Fiji Under-19 football team’s 6-1 victory over Vanuatu in the OFC U19 Championship in Apia, Samoa. Fiji U19 coach Marika Rodu emphasized this point, noting that none of his players received a yellow card. The team finished second in Group A, behind the Solomon Islands, who defeated Tahiti 1-0.
The Fijians are now set to face New Zealand in the semifinals. Rodu acknowledged that reaching the knockout stage poses new challenges, particularly fatigue after playing three 90-minute matches. “Recovery is important, and some players may not recover in time,” he said.
Rodu reiterated the significant role discipline played in their win, noting that Vanuatu was a tough opponent. “The scoreline did not reflect how challenging the game was. Vanuatu is a young and talented team that pushed Solomon Islands and Tahiti.”
After a 3-0 loss to the Solomon Islands, the Fiji team bounced back with renewed strength and confidence. “There were no yellow cards shown to our players, compared to the six we received in the first game,” said Rodu.
Fiji U19 trailed Vanuatu 1-0 early in the match. Team captain Peniasi Tirau admitted they felt immense pressure at that point. “Especially for me as captain, so we had to score the equalizer 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 scheduled for next Monday.
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