Fiji’s veteran midfielder Tevita Waranivalu lamented the missed opportunities that led to the team’s heavy 7-0 defeat against New Zealand in the semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Oceania Qualifiers. Waranivalu emphasized that competing at this elite level means that capitalizing on limited scoring chances is crucial.
He noted, “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.” Despite showing determination, the Bula Boys were overwhelmed by a relentless New Zealand attack, which scored all of their goals in the first half.
Looking forward, New Zealand will face New Caledonia, who won 2-0 against Tahiti, in the final of the qualifiers in Auckland.
This match, while devastating for Fiji, can serve as a learning experience. Coach Rob Sherman had previously expressed optimism after their stronger performances earlier in the tournament, instilling hope that with further development and support, the Bula Boys can rebound from this setback and strive for future successes. The resilience showcased throughout the qualifiers highlights the team’s potential and commitment to improving as they prepare for upcoming challenges. The experience gained from this match and the lessons learned could pave the path for better outcomes in future competitions for Fijian football.
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