Two thrilling matches between Kurukuru and Futsalroos

Solomon Islands National Futsal Team faced higher ranked Australia twice this weekend in two breathtaking matches played in Sydney and Canberra. Kurukuru lost both games but really impressed people by pushing Futsalroos to their limit.

In the first match, Kurukuru ended the first half leading by 2-1 with a fantastic performance but the hosts took the lead and won by 4-3.

In the second match, Kurukuru regrouped from a very tough first half which Futsalroos lead by 1-0 to control almost the whole second half. The scoreline was at 3-1 to Australia courtesy of a Jeffery Bule strike to close the gap. In a rampage yet very constructive show from Kurukuru, the game was turned on its head as Kurukuru totally dominated the second half.

Elliot Ragomo came really close with an overhead kick but sailed inches over the crossbar. A goal was disallowed by the referee although Kurukuru players were all claiming it. Indeed, these moments showed just how close the team came on causing a major upset.

The second match that caught many of the local fans as the name of Jack Wetney was called out by the commentator. Solomon Islands Kurukuru’s head coach, Vinicius Leite called up Jack Wetney and asked him to feature in this match as a respect to this player who now currently resides in Australia and haven’t been in the Kurukuru squad for over four years.

“Tonight was special because I am not really in the best shape but the coach showed me great respect and allowed me to feature. I am so humbled by this call. I think the boys are on another level and I am without a doubt believe in these guys that they will qualify for the world cup. The team is full of fighters. Last time, we have amazing teams but only some were fighting. The current boys are all fighters. I’m impressed indeed. I will train and wish the boys all the best in the qualifiers. If we qualify, I will see how I go with fitness and stuff, I will come and train with the team. I feel like one more world cup is in me but it depends entirely on how well I get myself prepared.” Wetney said.

OFC Futsal World Cup Qualifiers will be held in New Caledonia between 27 October and 2 November. The winner will play 2020 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Lithuania.