As the second match of the 2024 Tri-Nations Friendly series takes place today, coach Josh Smith of the Solomon Islands has highlighted the team’s dedication to their distinctive style of play against Hong Kong.
“We’re beginning to shape the team according to our preferred playing style. Our focus will be on the aspects we want to develop and the improvements we want to see,” he stated.
This match follows a close 1-0 defeat to Fiji, which was determined by a penalty kick, offering significant insights into the team’s current performance.
Smith acknowledged the players’ efforts and noted areas that require enhancement. “It was a valuable opportunity to observe the boys in action. I appreciated the competitive spirit and high intensity of the match. However, we need to improve in certain areas, particularly defensively, in how we press and in our positioning behind the ball,” he remarked.
Looking ahead to the game against Hong Kong, Smith maintains an optimistic perspective, believing it will serve as an important learning opportunity for his squad. “We will assess our performance against Hong Kong, and it will be a valuable experience for the team,” he said.
The Solomon Islands will face Hong Kong today at 7 PM at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.