Fiji’s national football team is making preparations ahead of their crucial semi-final match against New Zealand in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania Qualifiers set for March 21. With captain and star striker Roy Krishna unable to participate due to an ACL injury, head coach Rob Sherman emphasized the need to secure Fiji passports for professional footballers eligible to represent the nation.
Sherman stated that despite the absence of Krishna, who has an impressive record of over 50 matches and 44 goals for Fiji, the team would continue to focus on their tactical approach and creating scoring opportunities. He pointed out that players from clubs such as Leeds United, Vancouver, Toronto, and Auckland FC could significantly enhance the team’s potential if they were to obtain Fijian passports.
In light of Krishna’s absence, Sherman expressed his confidence in other strikers like Sairusi Nalaubu and Setareki Hughes to rise to the occasion. He acknowledged that while the team has proven goal scorers, they must also improve areas such as quick recovery of defensive shape after losing the ball and defending against counters.
As Fiji gears up for this important match, the focus remains on teamwork and determination, with hopes that the squad’s depth can compensate for the loss of a key player. The upcoming game will serve as a significant opportunity for emerging talents to showcase their abilities on a larger stage.
Overall, while challenges lie ahead, the team’s resilience and preparation aim for a hopeful outcome as they face one of the tournament favorites.
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