Solomon U20 finds going to Canada tough with loss to Fiji

The Solomon Islands national under 20 mamula side have had a major blow to their chances of a direct ticket to the FIFA U-20 World Championships in Canada later this year, with a 0-3 loss to a more enthusiastic Fiji.

In what is expected to be a tough game of match day three, the Solomon boys settled down early in the game but were unable to score goals in the first half. Fiji sensing the sloppy defence from its opponent, turned the tide on Solomon Islands with its first goal coming just before half time to make it 1-0.

After some hard talk from its no none-sense coach Juan Carlos Buzzetti during the half-time break, the plucky Fijians raced to another two additional goals in the second half to make a resounding victory of 3-0 to secure its third win in three matches to gap the other teams on the ladder and maintain a realistic chance of a berth at the World Championships in June.

The Solomon boys with a draw, one win and one loss are currently on four points with New Zealand who are second on goal difference. New Zealand has only played two games with a win and a draw. Fiji now has nine points after three games.

In earlier games today, Vanuatu were held to a 2-2 draw by Tahiti who scored the equaliser in extra time. The second game saw New Zealand beat Samoa 7-1. Solomon Islands next game would be against Vanuatu.

Solomon Islands chances now hang on the balance and they must ensure to win all their remaining games against Samoa, Vanuatu, and Tahiti. Fiji who is the front runner on the table still has to play New Zealand, Tahiti, and New Caledonia. New Zealand who are second on the ladder are yet to play Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and Tahiti.