Fiji’s football team is gearing up for a challenging encounter against New Zealand in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania Qualifiers scheduled for March 21. The team’s coach, Rob Sherman, has emphasized the importance of securing Fiji passports for professional players eligible to represent the nation. This initiative has become crucial, especially with the recent news that captain and star striker Roy Krishna will be sidelined due to an ACL injury.
Sherman expressed that despite this setback, the team’s preparation will not significantly change in terms of tactics and processes. However, he pointed out the difficulties in accessing professional players who are yet to obtain a Fijian passport, which inhibits their participation. Notable players in clubs like Leeds United, Vancouver, Toronto, and Auckland FC could enhance the squad’s strength if they were eligible to play for Fiji.
In the absence of Krishna, who has scored 44 goals in over 50 international matches, Sherman is looking to other strikers, such as Sairusi Nalaubu and Setareki Hughes, to rise to the occasion. He remains optimistic, stating that the squad has proven goal scorers who can capitalize on scoring opportunities. Nevertheless, Sherman outlined critical areas for improvement, particularly in how quickly the team recovers its defensive setup after losing the ball, along with better management of counterattacks and set-piece defenses.
This situation, albeit challenging, provides an opportunity for Fiji’s football talents to shine. With the potential for more players to join the national team, Fiji could cultivate a stronger football program and perhaps pave the way for greater achievements on the international stage.
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