Must win for Vanuatu in OFC Nations Cup

After losing their Group B opener, Vanuatu is hoping to get their 2016 OFC Nations Cup campaign back on track.

Vanuatu, who went down 1-0 to the Solomon Islands in their opening match, will face New Zealand to open Tuesday’s action at Port Moresby’s Sir John Guise Stadium.

Vanutau coach Moise Poida couldn’t hide his disappointment following his side’s defeat to their Melanesian rivals.

His players looked comfortable on the ball and created a number of promising opportunities but they lacked cutting edge in the final third.

Poida knows that it will not get any easier against the All Whites, but he believes his side is more than capable of causing an upset.

“We know New Zealand is a better team, they have players from overseas and they have a good game strategy. But I saw their game against Fiji and I think the way they played in that match was not the New Zealand we were thinking of, so I think we can do something.”

All Whites coach Anthony Hudson revealed his relief following his side’s comfortable but scrappy 3-1 win against Fiji.

Admitting that the All Whites weren’t at their best he was still happy with his players' determination to get a result.

The All Whites coach handed debuts to four players - defenders Luke Adams and Kip Colvey, as well as midfielders Monty Patterson and Luka Prelevic against Fiji.

Against Vanutau he will have the option to make some changes to the starting eleven by calling on some of the late arrivals, including Kosta Barbarouses, Marco Rojas, Jeremy Brockie and Michael Boxall.

New Zealand will again go into the match against Vanuatu as clear favourites but Hudson insists his side won’t be taking anything for granted.

“These teams are very dangerous and we saw that last year in the islands. They've got some players that can hurt any team.”

Vanuatu vs. New Zealand
Sir John Guise Stadium
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Tuesday 31 May, 2016
Kick-off: 4pm
#VANvNZL #ONC

Referee: Amos ANIO (PNG)
Assistant Referee 1: Norman BAFINU (PNG)
Assistant Referee 2: John PAREANGA (COK)
Fourth Official: Norbert HAUATA (TAH)

Vanuatu

The players: Striker Kensi Tangis looked the most likely to get on the scoresheet against the Solomons. Using his physical strength and mobility, Tangis was a constant threat up front. Captain Fenedy Masauvakalo and midfielder Bong Kalo have also offered attacking options, particularly from set pieces.

The vital statistics: Despite having less possession than the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu had five more goal attempts than their Melanesian rivals. They also had two more shots on target and forced five more corners than the Solomons. Moise Poida will be hoping his players can be more clinical in the front of goal against the All Whites.

Coach Quote:“Our final touch in the final third was a big problem for us against the Solomons. But it's ok we accept it, we still have another two games to go.”

Squad list: 1. Seloni IARUEL (GK), 2. Brian KALTACK, 3. Kevin SHEM, 4. Jason THOMAS, 5. Jacques WANEMUT, 6. Ignace YAMACK, 7. Samuel KALOROS, 8. Remy KALSARAP, 9. Bill NICHOLLS, 10. Dominique FRED, 11. Raoul COULON, 12. Zicka MANUHI, 13. Nemani ROQARA, 14. Bong KALO, 15. Daniel NATOU, 16. Tony KALTACK 17. Jean KALTACK, 18. Fenedy MASAUVAKALO, 19. Kensi TANGIS, 20. Chikau MANSALE (GK), 21. Kaloran FIRIAM (GK), 22. Jacky RUBEN, 23. Don MANSALE

Coach: Moise POIDA (VAN)

New Zealand

The players: Two senior strikers, Rory Fallon and Chris Wood both found the back of the net in New Zealand's win over Fiji. The two veterans have a proven record and they are effective players and leaders on the pitch. The All Whites could be strengthened by senior players Kosta Barbarouses and Marco Rojas, who weren't selected for the match having arrived late into camp.

The vital statistics: The All Whites were forced to share the possession evenly with Fiji in their opening match. Going forward they produced seven shots on target for their three goals, which seems like a decent conversion rate. However Anthony Hudson will be hoping for more clear cut chances to test Vanuatu’s defence.”

Coach Quote: "When you come to these competitions, the conditions are tough to play in. You're never going to come here and have it all your own way.”

Squad list: 1. Stefan MARINOVIC (GK), 2. Kip COLVEY, 3. Mat RIDENTON, I 4, Themistoklis TZIMOPOULOS, 5. Michael BOXALL, 6. Bill TUILOMA, 7. Kosta BARBAROUSES, 8. Michael McGLINCHEY, 9. Chris WOOD, 10. Luka PRELEVIC, 11. Marco ROJAS, 12. Max CROCOMBE (GK), 13. Monty PATTERSON, 14. Rory FALLON, 15. Jeremy BROCKIE, 16. Louis FENTON, 17. Luke ADAMAS, 18. Sam BROTHERTON, 19. Thomas DOYLE, 20. Te Atawhai HUDSON-WIHONGI, 21. Logan ROGERSON, 22, Moses DYER, 23. Tamati WILLIAMS (GK)

Coach: Anthony HUDSON (ENG)

   
Source:
OFC