We are already down to only four teams left who can still qualify for the 2018 Draft World Cup from Oceania, and after today’s episode we’ll be down to two. This is how the second round looks so far:
Solomon Islands will play a two-legged play-off against the winner of today’s group. New Zealand are undoubtedly the favourites, although given the small nature of this group, that increases the chance of an upset. As both Papua New Guinea and Fiji finished second in their Round 1 groups, it’s hard to imagine an upset, but you never know.
As there’s only six episodes in this episode, I’ll give a brief synopsis of the first three, and go into detail for the latter three.
New Zealand vs. Fiji
This group got off to a surprising start, as Fiji took a 3rd-minute lead through Zane Sole’s strike. New Zealand huffed and puffed, but they found themselves unable to break the Fijians down, or to create the few decent chances that did fall their way. Eventually, in the 78th minute Ryan de Vries found some space following a free kick to level matters. And there was heartbreak for Fiji, who had put an enormous amount of effort into holding onto the lead, when Osita Chikere pounced to win it for New Zealand five minutes from time.
As there’s only six episodes in this episode, I’ll give a brief synopsis of the first three, and go into detail for the latter three.
New Zealand vs. Fiji
This group got off to a surprising start, as Fiji took a 3rd-minute lead through Zane Sole’s strike. New Zealand huffed and puffed, but they found themselves unable to break the Fijians down, or to create the few decent chances that did fall their way. Eventually, in the 78th minute Ryan de Vries found some space following a free kick to level matters. And there was heartbreak for Fiji, who had put an enormous amount of effort into holding onto the lead, when Osita Chikere pounced to win it for New Zealand five minutes from time.
Fiji vs. Papua New Guinea
Fiji’s defensive resilience doesn’t last as long against Papua New Guinea, as they give away an early penalty, dispatched by Daniel Joe. Kema Jack, a key man for PNG in the first round, doubles his side’s lead with a sharp volley, and a second penalty allows Joe to seal a comfortable 3-0 win for PNG. I do enjoy the match summary saying that the goals were scored by Joe & Jack, who sound like a northern comedy duo.
Fiji’s defensive resilience doesn’t last as long against Papua New Guinea, as they give away an early penalty, dispatched by Daniel Joe. Kema Jack, a key man for PNG in the first round, doubles his side’s lead with a sharp volley, and a second penalty allows Joe to seal a comfortable 3-0 win for PNG. I do enjoy the match summary saying that the goals were scored by Joe & Jack, who sound like a northern comedy duo.
Papua New Guinea vs. New Zealand
Going by each side’s performance against Fiji, this might be a lot closer than expected. New Zealand start, well, but suffer an unlucky blow when Fergus Neil’s tackle on Jack sees the ball dribble beyond his goalkeeper and in for an own goal. The match is quite attritional, with a few injuries picked up along the way. As against Fiji, New Zealand managed to come up with an equaliser in the final 20 minutes, as Paul Ifill played Emiliano Tade in to level. This time there was no winner, and a 1-1 draw sees PNG stay top of the table on goal difference.
Going by each side’s performance against Fiji, this might be a lot closer than expected. New Zealand start, well, but suffer an unlucky blow when Fergus Neil’s tackle on Jack sees the ball dribble beyond his goalkeeper and in for an own goal. The match is quite attritional, with a few injuries picked up along the way. As against Fiji, New Zealand managed to come up with an equaliser in the final 20 minutes, as Paul Ifill played Emiliano Tade in to level. This time there was no winner, and a 1-1 draw sees PNG stay top of the table on goal difference.
Fiji vs. New Zealand
Fiji don’t make any personnel changes, as they hope the same XI can cause New Zealand troubles like they did away from home. Tade was one of the casualties of the injuries in New Zealand’s clash with PNG, so in comes Joao Moreira. Otherwise, New Zealand stick with their usual XI, despite a few iffy performances.
Fiji don’t make any personnel changes, as they hope the same XI can cause New Zealand troubles like they did away from home. Tade was one of the casualties of the injuries in New Zealand’s clash with PNG, so in comes Joao Moreira. Otherwise, New Zealand stick with their usual XI, despite a few iffy performances.
All of Fiji’s players look either nervous or very nervous, and they certainly don’t appear resolute as Ekpo runs through the middle and hits a low shot off the base of the post. New Zealand go close again as de Vries’ header is tipped over, and they get an even bigger chance when Naisua gets all in a tangle and brings down Moreira. Chris James steps up, and belts it into the top corner. A second is added 10 minutes later as Ifill feeds Marko Djordjevic to fire in.
Naisau is brought off at half time, or more accurately, put out of his misery. New Zealand decide to step up their intensity, as they are aware that this group could come down to goal difference. They seem to have got their third goal through De Vries’ good first-time shot, but it is ruled out for offside. Moreira has done little to justify being Tade’s replacement, but his prodded shot does get New Zealand’s third in added time. Moreira has another chance immediately after, but hoofs his shot well wide, as 3-0 is the final score.
Naisau is brought off at half time, or more accurately, put out of his misery. New Zealand decide to step up their intensity, as they are aware that this group could come down to goal difference. They seem to have got their third goal through De Vries’ good first-time shot, but it is ruled out for offside. Moreira has done little to justify being Tade’s replacement, but his prodded shot does get New Zealand’s third in added time. Moreira has another chance immediately after, but hoofs his shot well wide, as 3-0 is the final score.
Papua New Guinea vs. Fiji
PNG are missing LB Upaiga through suspension, so centre back Talau comes in to play in a wholly unfamiliar position. They also switch Baleitoga in for Maemae, who has been disappointing. Fiji stick with the side that started the second half against New Zealand, with Tekiate replacing Naisua.
PNG are missing LB Upaiga through suspension, so centre back Talau comes in to play in a wholly unfamiliar position. They also switch Baleitoga in for Maemae, who has been disappointing. Fiji stick with the side that started the second half against New Zealand, with Tekiate replacing Naisua.
After New Zealand’s win PNG know that any win by two or more goals will put them top going into the final clash with New Zealand. Both teams have early sighters, as PNG eventually start to assert their dominance. Jack should open the scoring with a close-range header, and Hughes has a similar chance which he doesn’t connect properly with. We’re scoreless at the break.
The second half is dull as dishwater until a free kick is played to Samani, whose shot is parried as far as Baleitoga, who tucks it in – but the flag is raised for offside. It’s a crucial (and correct) decision as PNG cannot find a goal despite a flurry of chances, and a 0-0 draw means they lose their advantage over New Zealand going into the final game.
The second half is dull as dishwater until a free kick is played to Samani, whose shot is parried as far as Baleitoga, who tucks it in – but the flag is raised for offside. It’s a crucial (and correct) decision as PNG cannot find a goal despite a flurry of chances, and a 0-0 draw means they lose their advantage over New Zealand going into the final game.
New Zealand vs. Papua New Guinea
Tade is fit again for New Zealand, but Moreira keeps his place up front for New Zealand. Talau was great against Fiji, and so he moves into the centre as Upaiga replaces Yasasa in the PNG back line. Maemae also returns for Baleitoga, who failed to take his chance.
Tade is fit again for New Zealand, but Moreira keeps his place up front for New Zealand. Talau was great against Fiji, and so he moves into the centre as Upaiga replaces Yasasa in the PNG back line. Maemae also returns for Baleitoga, who failed to take his chance.
It’s a winner-takes-all clash to wrap up this group, although a draw will be enough for New Zealand. However, the All Whites are unlikely to settle for just a draw, and they hit the woodwork twice early on through Moreira and James. New Zealand eventually did make the breakthrough, and it came through Paul Ifill, who drilled a low shot home following a free kick. Soon after, Talau was penalised in the box for a push, and James hit it well, beating Baniau’s dive to double the score. Just before the break New Zealand were given another penalty for Jack’s clumsy challenge, and James fired into the same direction for a 3-0 lead at the break.
It’s been utter domination for New Zealand thus far, and barring a complete meltdown, they have secured their passage to the final round of qualification. PNG bring on Komeng at the break, and he immediately has a chance to pull one back, but he fires miles over when clean through. In the 72nd minute Moreira breaks through and places it home for a fourth Kiwi goal, and he blasts home his second two minutes later. A final flourish comes from Moretti’s header from a corner, and 6-0 is an emphatic way to seal qualification!
Final standings
Final standings
Top scorer: Joao Moreira (NZL) 3 goals
Highest average rating: Joao Moreira (NZL) 8.45
Oceanic Qualifying Round 2 Summary
Highest average rating: Joao Moreira (NZL) 8.45
Oceanic Qualifying Round 2 Summary
Next time
It threatened to turn ugly for New Zealand, but they have reached the final stage of a qualification process they are widely expected to cruise through. Next up is the penultimate group in Asia, featuring the likes of Saudi Arabia, North Korea and India.
It threatened to turn ugly for New Zealand, but they have reached the final stage of a qualification process they are widely expected to cruise through. Next up is the penultimate group in Asia, featuring the likes of Saudi Arabia, North Korea and India.