Oceania only has twelve sides eligible for the 2018 Draft World Cup, as a few nations don’t have enough players in the FM18 database to create a squad with. These twelve teams are put into groups of 4, with the top 2 in each group going through. This is how the draw shapes up:
We’re going to see the outcomes of all three groups in this episode, so let’s be crazy and start with Group A.
Group A (Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga)
Vanuatu scrape in as top seeds in this group, narrowly ahead of Papua New Guinea thanks to the points they received for contributing players to Oceania’s (unsuccessful) side that played in qualifying for the 2017 DWC. This makes the two sides the favourites to progress, and they start in fine fashion as Vanuatu thump Tonga 5-0 and Papua New Guinea beat Samoa 3-0, the latter starring a brilliant volley from Kema Jack.
Group A (Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga)
Vanuatu scrape in as top seeds in this group, narrowly ahead of Papua New Guinea thanks to the points they received for contributing players to Oceania’s (unsuccessful) side that played in qualifying for the 2017 DWC. This makes the two sides the favourites to progress, and they start in fine fashion as Vanuatu thump Tonga 5-0 and Papua New Guinea beat Samoa 3-0, the latter starring a brilliant volley from Kema Jack.
The two group favourites met next, with an early chance to become group favourites. Michel Kaltak got his third goal of the group to put Vanuatu ahead, and he set up Osea Vakatalesau to score the clinching second goal in a well-earned 2-0 triumph. Meanwhile Samoa and Tonga met, with both sides knowing that winning this tie would be vital. Samoa’s lone striker Desmond Fa’aiuaso is his side’s best-rated player (and worth a whopping £1600), and he showed why with two poacher’s strikes in a 2-0 win. Samoa were unable to build on this though, as they went down 2-0 in Vanuatu. Meanwhile, Tonga’s chances were already looking remote, even before they suffered a 6-0 mauling at the hands of PNG, Reginald Davani leading the way with five goals.
Tonga, of course, are primarily a rugby nation, and they racked up another unwanted rugby-esque score as they sunk even lower – this time losing 8-0 at home to Vanuatu, with hat-tricks for Kaltak and Jack Wetney. Samoa hosted PNG knowing they needed a win to challenge for a top two spot, but first-half goals from Jack and Davani put PNG 3-0 at the break. Despite Fa’aiuaso’s two goals, Jack completed his hat-trick as PNG secured a 4-2 win that confirmed Vanuatu’s progress, and almost-certainly confirmed PNG’s.
This meant that the real battle was for top spot, and PNG hosted Vanuatu needing to win, but found themselves 2-0 down after 7 minutes. However, 15 minutes later and the scores were level courtesy of two Jack strikes. The two sides were clearly both going for it, and Vanuatu once again went two goals ahead to lead 4-2 at the break. PNG’s Daniel Joe had a chance to reduce the deficit, but missed from the spot. However, PNG continued to battle, and goals from Jack Samani and Davani meant an epic tussle ended 4-4. Fa’aiuaso scored a triple as Samoa beat Tonga 3-0, but both sides were already eliminated.
In the final round of fixtures Samoa shocked Vanuatu in taking a 10th-minute lead, but ultimately went on to lose 5-2. PNG also wrapped up their group in style with a 5-1 victory over Tonga. Vaka Vave’s 55th-minute strike was notable in that it was the first, and only, goal for Tonga in this group.
Tonga, of course, are primarily a rugby nation, and they racked up another unwanted rugby-esque score as they sunk even lower – this time losing 8-0 at home to Vanuatu, with hat-tricks for Kaltak and Jack Wetney. Samoa hosted PNG knowing they needed a win to challenge for a top two spot, but first-half goals from Jack and Davani put PNG 3-0 at the break. Despite Fa’aiuaso’s two goals, Jack completed his hat-trick as PNG secured a 4-2 win that confirmed Vanuatu’s progress, and almost-certainly confirmed PNG’s.
This meant that the real battle was for top spot, and PNG hosted Vanuatu needing to win, but found themselves 2-0 down after 7 minutes. However, 15 minutes later and the scores were level courtesy of two Jack strikes. The two sides were clearly both going for it, and Vanuatu once again went two goals ahead to lead 4-2 at the break. PNG’s Daniel Joe had a chance to reduce the deficit, but missed from the spot. However, PNG continued to battle, and goals from Jack Samani and Davani meant an epic tussle ended 4-4. Fa’aiuaso scored a triple as Samoa beat Tonga 3-0, but both sides were already eliminated.
In the final round of fixtures Samoa shocked Vanuatu in taking a 10th-minute lead, but ultimately went on to lose 5-2. PNG also wrapped up their group in style with a 5-1 victory over Tonga. Vaka Vave’s 55th-minute strike was notable in that it was the first, and only, goal for Tonga in this group.
Final standings
Top scorer: Reginald Davani (PNG) 9 goals
Highest average rating: Kema Jack (PNG) 8.52
Group B (New Zealand, New Caledonia, Cook Islands, Micronesia)
It’s fair to say that New Zealand are red-hot favourites, not just for this group, but for Oceanic qualifying as a whole. In fact, for their opener away to Micronesia, their odds were an astonishing 1/33. The bookies will have been sweating as New Zealand made hard work of the match, but ended up winning 3-1 with a fair degree of comfort, the highlight being a thunderous strike from Chris James. New Caledonia largely outplayed Cook Islands, but unforgivable indiscipline saw them give away three penalties, all scored by Junior Puroku as Cook Islands prevailed 4-2.
Highest average rating: Kema Jack (PNG) 8.52
Group B (New Zealand, New Caledonia, Cook Islands, Micronesia)
It’s fair to say that New Zealand are red-hot favourites, not just for this group, but for Oceanic qualifying as a whole. In fact, for their opener away to Micronesia, their odds were an astonishing 1/33. The bookies will have been sweating as New Zealand made hard work of the match, but ended up winning 3-1 with a fair degree of comfort, the highlight being a thunderous strike from Chris James. New Caledonia largely outplayed Cook Islands, but unforgivable indiscipline saw them give away three penalties, all scored by Junior Puroku as Cook Islands prevailed 4-2.
The last thing New Caledonia needed was more of the same against New Zealand, but at half time they found themselves 2-0 down, including a penalty, and down to 10 men. It is to their credit that they salvaged a 2-1 defeat and made New Zealand worry in the final moments. There was no such tension as the Cook Islands hammered Micronesia 8-1, with four goals for Paul Luiz van Eijk, who even missed a spot kick. Current form meant that nothing was certain when Cook Islands hosted New Zealand, and at the break the sides were level at 2-2. Cook Islands had a chance from the spot, but this time Junior Puroku hit the post. This was a crucial moment in the match, as Emmanuel Ekpo and James’ goals were enough to earn New Zealand a 4-2 win. Meanwhile, New Caledonia – the group’s second seeds – continued their nightmare as they lost 3-1 at home to Micronesia.
However, New Caledonia were able to put the group back in the balance as they got revenge on Cook Islands, two goals from Patrick Drawilo helping them to a 3-1 win. This meant a win would put New Zealand through, and they earned it stylishly with a 6-0 win over Micronesia, a hat-trick from Osita Chikere and a goal for former Millwall stalwart Paul Ifill the highlights. New Zealand then secured top spot with a win over New Caledonia, which wasn’t unexpected, but it coming from a James penalty in a 1-0 win probably was. This gave Cook Islands a chance to qualify in second place, but they were stunned by Micronesia, who had a Lester James hat-trick to thank for a 5-2 win.
This meant that going into the final game Cook Islands and Micronesia were both on 6 points, with New Caledonia on 3. Cook Islands were the ones who had to face New Zealand, and despite three goals in the final 10 minutes, suffered a 6-3 defeat. The equation was thus that Micronesia needed a point to progress, whilst New Caledonia needed to win by four goals. If New Caledonia won by less than four, then Cook Islands would go through. Two goals from Loic Wantam put New Caledonia 2-0 up, and Cook Islanders rejoiced. However, this turned to concern when Micronesia lost Marlon Etnold to a red card. New Caledonia pushed for the vital goals, but this was ruined when Gbenga Ojo headed home. Micronesia were now only one goal away, but a colossal error from goalkeeper Hnamuko allowed New Caledonia to go 3-1 up, which is how the game ended, as Cook Islands progressed in the most dramatic fashion.
However, New Caledonia were able to put the group back in the balance as they got revenge on Cook Islands, two goals from Patrick Drawilo helping them to a 3-1 win. This meant a win would put New Zealand through, and they earned it stylishly with a 6-0 win over Micronesia, a hat-trick from Osita Chikere and a goal for former Millwall stalwart Paul Ifill the highlights. New Zealand then secured top spot with a win over New Caledonia, which wasn’t unexpected, but it coming from a James penalty in a 1-0 win probably was. This gave Cook Islands a chance to qualify in second place, but they were stunned by Micronesia, who had a Lester James hat-trick to thank for a 5-2 win.
This meant that going into the final game Cook Islands and Micronesia were both on 6 points, with New Caledonia on 3. Cook Islands were the ones who had to face New Zealand, and despite three goals in the final 10 minutes, suffered a 6-3 defeat. The equation was thus that Micronesia needed a point to progress, whilst New Caledonia needed to win by four goals. If New Caledonia won by less than four, then Cook Islands would go through. Two goals from Loic Wantam put New Caledonia 2-0 up, and Cook Islanders rejoiced. However, this turned to concern when Micronesia lost Marlon Etnold to a red card. New Caledonia pushed for the vital goals, but this was ruined when Gbenga Ojo headed home. Micronesia were now only one goal away, but a colossal error from goalkeeper Hnamuko allowed New Caledonia to go 3-1 up, which is how the game ended, as Cook Islands progressed in the most dramatic fashion.
Final standings
Top scorer: Osita Chikere, Chris James (NZL), Paul Luiz van Eijk (COK) 6 goals
Highest average rating: Chris James (NZL) 8.65
Group C (Tahiti, Fiji, Solomon Islands, American Samoa)
Some may remember Tahiti’s exploits at the Confederations Cup in 2013. They start this group as top seeds and likely favourites. They started well against Fiji, scoring in the 6th minute. This was their high point, as they went on to lose 6-1 as Fiji ran riot with a hat-trick from Seteraki Hughes. The superbly-named Jerry Donga was on the scoresheet twice as Solomon Islands started with a 3-0 win over group underdogs American Samoa. Tahiti looked to bounce back as they travelled to American Samoa, but found themselves 4-1 behind after a torrid spell just after half time. Temarii Tinorua’s penalty sparked a Tahiti resurgence, and goals in the 87th and 91st minutes saw them dramatically level. But there was to be one final twist, and Kang Gun-Chul powered home a shot in the 94th minute to win the match 5-4 for American Samoa. Meanwhile, there was another great match to see as Solomon Islands scored late on to earn a 2-2 draw away to Fiji.
Highest average rating: Chris James (NZL) 8.65
Group C (Tahiti, Fiji, Solomon Islands, American Samoa)
Some may remember Tahiti’s exploits at the Confederations Cup in 2013. They start this group as top seeds and likely favourites. They started well against Fiji, scoring in the 6th minute. This was their high point, as they went on to lose 6-1 as Fiji ran riot with a hat-trick from Seteraki Hughes. The superbly-named Jerry Donga was on the scoresheet twice as Solomon Islands started with a 3-0 win over group underdogs American Samoa. Tahiti looked to bounce back as they travelled to American Samoa, but found themselves 4-1 behind after a torrid spell just after half time. Temarii Tinorua’s penalty sparked a Tahiti resurgence, and goals in the 87th and 91st minutes saw them dramatically level. But there was to be one final twist, and Kang Gun-Chul powered home a shot in the 94th minute to win the match 5-4 for American Samoa. Meanwhile, there was another great match to see as Solomon Islands scored late on to earn a 2-2 draw away to Fiji.
These two sides looked to be the strongest sides in this group, and they furthered that impressive with wins apiece. Fiji overcame a stubborn American Samoa 2-1, whilst Solomon Islands cantered to a 3-0 win over a forlorn-looking Tahiti.
Guilherme had four goals in three for Solomon Islands at this point, and he made it six from four with two goals in a straightforward 3-0 win over American Samoa as they secured qualification. Fiji had the chance to join them, but found themselves 1-0 down to Tahiti after a 3rd-minute penalty. Fijian hopes were raised by Tehau’s red card, and they eventually equalised through Majok Piok’s 86th-minute goal, but they weren’t able to find a winner as Tahiti got their first point.
Fiji were made to prolong their wait for qualification when they lost 2-1 to Solomon Islands, Guilherme adding two further goals to secure his side’s place as group winners. Elsewhere, two early goals set Tahiti on their way to a 2-1 win over American Samoa, eliminating their opponents. Whilst Tahiti were still in the competition, they had to overcome Solomon Islands and see Fiji lose to American Samoa, all whilst overturning an 11-goal difference deficit. Despite this comfort, Fiji’s yips continued, as they went down 1-0 to American Samoa thanks to a 95th-minute own goal from Zane Sole. That meant there was still the tiniest of chances for Tahiti, but they fell behind in the 13th minute against Solomon Islands. They fought back to level in the 72nd minute, and a 1-1 draw against the runaway group champions is a creditable way to finish, albeit a result which confirmed their position as bottom of a group they were expected to win.
Guilherme had four goals in three for Solomon Islands at this point, and he made it six from four with two goals in a straightforward 3-0 win over American Samoa as they secured qualification. Fiji had the chance to join them, but found themselves 1-0 down to Tahiti after a 3rd-minute penalty. Fijian hopes were raised by Tehau’s red card, and they eventually equalised through Majok Piok’s 86th-minute goal, but they weren’t able to find a winner as Tahiti got their first point.
Fiji were made to prolong their wait for qualification when they lost 2-1 to Solomon Islands, Guilherme adding two further goals to secure his side’s place as group winners. Elsewhere, two early goals set Tahiti on their way to a 2-1 win over American Samoa, eliminating their opponents. Whilst Tahiti were still in the competition, they had to overcome Solomon Islands and see Fiji lose to American Samoa, all whilst overturning an 11-goal difference deficit. Despite this comfort, Fiji’s yips continued, as they went down 1-0 to American Samoa thanks to a 95th-minute own goal from Zane Sole. That meant there was still the tiniest of chances for Tahiti, but they fell behind in the 13th minute against Solomon Islands. They fought back to level in the 72nd minute, and a 1-1 draw against the runaway group champions is a creditable way to finish, albeit a result which confirmed their position as bottom of a group they were expected to win.
Final standings
Top scorer: Guilherme (SOL) 8 goals
Highest average rating: Guilherme (SOL) 7.95
Oceanic Round 1 Summary
Highest average rating: Guilherme (SOL) 7.95
Oceanic Round 1 Summary
Next time
We have three sides who were very impressive in winning their groups here in Vanuatu, New Zealand and surprise package Solomon Islands. Next time, we’ll be returning to North America, as we wrap up the first round of qualifying there.
We have three sides who were very impressive in winning their groups here in Vanuatu, New Zealand and surprise package Solomon Islands. Next time, we’ll be returning to North America, as we wrap up the first round of qualifying there.