Fiji’s veteran midfielder Tevita Waranivalu expressed regret over the missed chances that contributed to the team’s significant 7-0 loss against New Zealand during the semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Oceania Qualifiers. Waranivalu pointed out that at such a high level of competition, it is essential to make the most of limited scoring opportunities. He remarked, “In these types of games, you get limited chances, and we had a few but couldn’t capitalize on them, and that haunts us. We gave them easy goals in the beginning, and that’s where they got their momentum and started to settle into the game.”
The Bula Boys, despite their effort, were outmatched by New Zealand’s fierce offense, which netted all seven goals in the first half. Looking ahead, New Zealand will compete against New Caledonia, who secured a 2-0 victory over Tahiti, in the qualifiers’ final in Auckland.
Although the result was disappointing for Fiji, it can serve as a valuable learning opportunity. Coach Rob Sherman had previously expressed hope following the team’s stronger performances earlier in the tournament. This optimism suggests that with continued development and support, the Bula Boys can bounce back from this loss. The resilience they demonstrated throughout the qualifiers underscores their potential and dedication to growth as they prepare for future challenges. The insights gained from this match could be instrumental in achieving better results in upcoming competitions for Fijian football.
The journey of the Bula Boys is still young, and with each experience, they are one step closer to unlocking their true potential on the international stage.
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