Fiji’s under-20 women’s soccer team is making history as they prepare for their debut at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia 2024. Although they are aware of the challenges ahead, the team is focused on taking small steps on the global stage.
While some nations enter the World Cup with high expectations, Fiji recognizes the tough road ahead, having been placed in a challenging group alongside heavyweights Brazil, Canada, and France. Head coach Angeline Chua expressed her excitement about this opportunity, acknowledging the difficulty of competing against teams ranked within the top ten at the senior level.
Chua emphasized the significance of being Fiji, the first women’s team from the nation to reach a global finals, and noted that it is better to represent Oceania than other nations they defeated to qualify. After finishing as runners-up to New Zealand at the 2023 OFC U19 Women’s Championship, Fiji benefitted from an expanded tournament that allowed them to secure a spot in Medellin.
The squad consists primarily of local players, with three overseas members expected to contribute additional skills. One standout player, Talei Moodie, is currently excelling in college soccer in the United States, potentially bringing a key advantage to the team.
Following a narrow defeat in a recent warm-up match against Costa Rica, there is hope that Fiji can be competitive in Colombia. However, Chua emphasized the need for realistic expectations, focusing on two primary goals: to score their first-ever goal in the tournament and to maintain a strong defense against opponents.
Chua’s journey in football began serendipitously at the age of 16 with a simple online search. Her extensive playing career in Singapore and successful coaching stint in the Seychelles, where she led the women’s team to a world ranking, culminated in her current role with Fiji.
As the team prepares to face tough opponents, Chua is realistic about the situation. She highlighted the challenges even seasoned teams face in the region and stressed the importance of teamwork and resilience on the pitch. The focus remains on holding their ground and representing Fiji with pride in the tournament.