The coaches and captains from the four semi-finalists in the FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania Qualifiers have addressed the media in Wellington, setting the stage for an exciting weekend. The matches will commence with New Caledonia facing Tahiti at Sky Stadium on Friday at 3 PM NZT, followed by New Zealand taking on Fiji at 7 PM NZT. The winners will earn the right to compete for a coveted spot in the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
New Caledonia’s coach, Johann Sidaner, expressed immense pride in his team making it to the semi-finals despite facing significant challenges, including limited competitive opportunities due to civil unrest in their homeland. “We are very delighted to be here,” Sidaner stated, recognizing the journey as a significant achievement in itself.
Tahiti’s coach, Samuel Garcia, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of their matchup. He emphasized the need for focus while also valuing the brotherhood between the two teams, understanding the emotional weight of the occasion.
New Caledonia’s forward Jaushua Sotirio, who has familial ties to the national team, revealed how pride in his heritage drives him as they prepare to face Tahiti. He anticipates a fast-paced and physical contest, suggesting that exploiting the opposition’s defensive weaknesses will be crucial to their strategy.
Looking at the other semi-final, New Zealand, led by coach Darren Bazeley, enters the match as favorites against Fiji. Bazeley acknowledged the historical significance of this clash, recalling New Zealand’s 2009 qualifier against Bahrain that secured their World Cup spot in 2010. Player Chris Wood shared his excitement about returning to the global stage, understanding the weight of past experiences on new generations of Kiwi footballers.
Fiji’s coach Rob Sherman and captain Felipe Baravilala remain optimistic despite acknowledging New Zealand’s experience. Sherman pointed out that while they face a professional side, they believe in their capability to cause an upset, expressing determination to execute their game plan effectively. The Bula Boys aim not only to advance to the final but also to inspire hope and unity in Fijian football, which has not seen a World Cup qualification for any team from Oceania.
The matches promise to be historic, with anticipation building among fans as their teams prepare to showcase their strength and resilience. The outcomes of these games hold the potential to change the trajectory of football in the Pacific, embodying dreams and aspirations on the international stage.
As the teams embark on this journey, both players and supporters find themselves united in the hope of making history, marking a significant moment in their countries’ footballing narratives.
Leave a comment