New Zealand took the field last Tuesday – 16th June – against Costa Rica at the Al Rayyan Stadium in Doha, Qatar with the dream of going to the World Cup for the third time in their history – the second time in twelve years. Considering Costa Rica’s aging squad that started poorly in theContinue reading “New Zealand says goodbye to the World Cup dream”
Tag Archives: 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Ryan Thomas out of Intercontinental Playoff against Costa Rica
Ryan Thomas is one of the most talented players New Zealand has produced in the last decade, since 2018 he plays for Dutch giants PSV after a successful stint at PEC Zwolle. Even with a successful career in Dutch football the 27-year-old midfielder has suffered from major injuries that have prevented him from achieving goodContinue reading “Ryan Thomas out of Intercontinental Playoff against Costa Rica”
All Whites face Peru before World Cup’s Qualifiers battle
New Zealand confirmed their favoritism and went through the OFC Qualifiers winning all their matches. Now the challenge is the intercontinental playoff against Costa Rica in Qatar for a place in the World Cup. To prepare for the decisive duel against Costa Rica – which takes place on June 14th – the All Whites willContinue reading “All Whites face Peru before World Cup’s Qualifiers battle”
Raphael Lea’i not to trial in Australia
After the FIFA OFC World Cup Qualifiers, ten Solomon Islanders players went to Australia for a trial in search of a professional contract – Ali Mekawir even signed with Adelaide City. Raphael Lea’i was expected to be with the other players to hold a trial but had to return to the Solomon Islands for personalContinue reading “Raphael Lea’i not to trial in Australia”
Brian Kaltak: the path to professional football
Brian Kaltak is Vanuatu’s most successful footballer in the last decade. He made his international debut – and was captain at the age of just 17. For four seasons he has been with Auckland City – the biggest football club in Oceania. In Auckland he has established himself as one of the best defenders onContinue reading “Brian Kaltak: the path to professional football”
New Zealand or Solomon Islands: only one side keeps its World Cup’s dream alive
New Zealand and Solomon Islands take the field at Gran Hamad Stadium to play in the finals of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers – just as they did in 2017. On that occasion New Zealand beat the Bonitos in Auckland 6-1 and drew 2-2 at the Lawson Tama in Honiara – thus achieving qualification forContinue reading “New Zealand or Solomon Islands: only one side keeps its World Cup’s dream alive”
New Zealand beats Tahiti and advances to the WCQ Final
New Zealand and Tahiti played at the Grand Hamad Stadium in Doha to decide who would face the Solomon Islands in the final of the OFC World Cup qualifiers. New Zealand just missed the midfielder Marko Stamenic in their squad meaning the All Whites were virtually at full strength. Tahiti, meanwhile, had only one changeContinue reading “New Zealand beats Tahiti and advances to the WCQ Final”
Solomon Islands beat PNG to secure a place in the WCQ final
Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea clashed at the Al-Arabi Stadium in Doha, Qatar, for a place in the final of the World Cup qualifiers. In an eventful match, the Solomons secured the victory and advanced to meet New Zealand or Tahiti in the final. The first opportunity of the game came from Ati Kepo‘sContinue reading “Solomon Islands beat PNG to secure a place in the WCQ final”
Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands vie for a place in the WCQ final
Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands have a recent history of meeting in tournament semifinals. In 2016, the teams met in the semifinals of the OFC Nations Cup. Papua New Guinea won 2-1 and advanced to the final of the tournament. The following year, they faced each other in Port Moresby worth a place inContinue reading “Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands vie for a place in the WCQ final”
New Zealand and Tahiti duel for a spot in the WCQ final
New Zealand and Tahiti meet again in a World Cup qualifying match for the first time in almost ten years. On that occasion, the All Whites beat the reigning continental champions 3-0. Alvin Tehau, Chris Wood, Teaonui Tehau and Tommy Smith are the only remnants of that game. The All Whites are on a highContinue reading “New Zealand and Tahiti duel for a spot in the WCQ final”
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