The semi-finalists in the FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania Qualifiers gathered to speak with the media in Wellington, creating excitement for the matches set to take place this weekend. The competition kicks off with New Caledonia squaring off against Tahiti on Friday at 3 PM NZT, followed by New Zealand taking on Fiji at 7 PM NZT. The victors will secure a pathway to compete for a prestigious spot in the World Cup, hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Johann Sidaner, the coach of New Caledonia, expressed deep pride and satisfaction in reaching the semi-finals, especially given the significant obstacles faced, such as limited competitive matches due to civil unrest in their region. He stated, “We are very delighted to be here,” highlighting the accomplishment as a milestone in their journey.
Samuel Garcia, the coach of Tahiti, emphasized the importance of their upcoming match, reinforcing the need for focus while recognizing the camaraderie shared between the teams. The emotional significance of this occasion adds to the stakes of the contest.
Jaushua Sotirio, a forward for New Caledonia with family connections to the national team, spoke about how his heritage fuels his motivation. He is looking forward to a dynamic match with Tahiti, stressing the importance of identifying and capitalizing on the opponent’s defensive weaknesses.
In the other semi-final, New Zealand, under coach Darren Bazeley, comes in as the favorite against Fiji. Bazeley reflected on the historical context of this match, recalling New Zealand’s memorable 2009 qualifier against Bahrain that led to their World Cup appearance in 2010. Player Chris Wood expressed excitement about the opportunity to return to the global stage, recognizing the impact of past experiences on the newer generation of Kiwi footballers.
Fiji’s coach Rob Sherman and captain Felipe Baravilala maintain a hopeful outlook, fully aware of New Zealand’s experience but confident in their abilities to create an upset. Sherman pointed out their commitment to executing their game plan effectively, aiming not only to advance to the final but also to inspire hope and unity in Fijian football, a goal even more pertinent given the lack of World Cup qualifiers from Oceania.
As anticipation grows among fans, these matches hold the promise of a historic outcome, with the potential to reshape the football landscape in the Pacific. Both players and supporters share a unified vision of making their mark on the world stage, symbolizing the dreams and aspirations of their nations in this exciting chapter of football history.
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