DOWN, NOT OUT
15-Dec-2008 10:04 AM

THE national side has failed yet again and this time the Fiji Under-20 side were well beaten by favourites New Zealand 3-0 in the Oceania World Playoffs at Stade Paea, Papeete in Tahiti yesterday.

The Juan Carlos Buzzetti coached side had contained the Kiwis well in the first half but gave away the opener in the 58th minute through Costa Barbarouses to trail 0-1.

Cracks began to appear in the Fiji defence and six minutes later Adam McGeorge doubled NZ’s lead.

Three minutes from time Greg Draper put the result beyond doubt with the third goal to kick-start the Thai Airways All Whites campaign to a flying start while the Fijians headed back to the drawing board knowing their mission is now almost over with the first up loss and another dream of appearing in its first ever World Cup dashed.

Fiji FA president Dr Shamshud din Sahu Khan had promised $1000 each for the players if the side did qualify for the World Cup in Egypt in May next year.

But the national side still have a chance if they beat New Caledonia and host Tahiti well and hope that either of the two side or both nations upset NZ.

Tahiti met New Caledonia in the other match on Day One of the playoffs.

In the last playoffs held in NZ in January last year, Fiji had a strong squad led by Roy Krishna that breezed through the playoffs with ease before being halted by the Kiwis losing 2-3 in a controversial manner.

Fiji's next match is against New Caledonia tomorrow at 6-30pm (Fiji Time).

OFC U-20 Championship Tahiti 2008 Draw
Tuesday 16 December, Stade Mahina
New Zealand vs. Tahiti (4pm FT)
New Caledonia vs. Fiji (6.30pm FT)
Thursday 18 December, Stade Puurai
New Caledonia vs. New Zealand, (4pm FT)
Fiji vs. Tahiti, (6.30pm FT)



By MAIKA KASAMI