Head coach Chris Greenacre commended Fiji for their formidable performance against New Zealand in the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship semi-final in Samoa.
“Fiji made things incredibly difficult for us,” Greenacre remarked after New Zealand secured a 1-0 victory to reach the final scheduled for Thursday.
“We rode our luck a bit, and I’m willing to admit that,” he added.
Greenacre highlighted the crucial contribution of Player of the Match Alby Kelly-Heald, whose penalty save was pivotal to New Zealand’s success.
“Alby’s made an outstanding penalty save,” he noted.
Greenacre acknowledged that Fiji’s determined play limited New Zealand’s opportunities. “We didn’t create as much as usual due to Fiji’s effort. They were solid defensively and contested every ball fiercely.”
Despite the challenges, New Zealand found a moment of brilliance with Ryan Watson’s goal shortly after half-time, which secured the win.
“It was a well-executed team goal,” Greenacre stated.
Greenacre expressed his “delight” at qualifying for the 2025 FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup in Chile but emphasized the need to focus on the upcoming final against New Caledonia.
“We’ll approach the final as we have every game. We’ll prepare, analyze, and select a team we believe can win.”
Results from Monday, July 15, 2024:
Semi-finals:
New Zealand 1 (Ryan Watson 48′)
Fiji 0
Solomon Islands 2 (Gordon Iro 37′, Jimson Abana 45+4′)
New Caledonia 3 (Paul Qaeze 27′, Antoine Simane 86′, Kapone Xulue 118′)
*After extra time
Upcoming Fixture:
Thursday, July 18, 2024
Final:
New Caledonia vs. New Zealand
FFS Football Stadium, Apia, Samoa, 1pm (NZT)