Courtesy: NZ Football FA


Futsal Whites go down fighting

The Futsal Whites have gone down fighting in their second international match with Tahiti in Papeete.

April 1, 2013

AUCKLAND – The hosts won 4-2 and once again led 3-0 at the interval before goals to James Vaughan and captain Marvin Eakins pulled New Zealand back into the match as the kiwis staged a second half fightback.

Once again Tahiti proved a handful for New Zealand with their speed and movement, with an earlier kickoff meaning the visitors still struggled to adjust to the sweltering conditions and the concrete court surface.

Defensive errors were again at the centre of the goals conceded, although the Futsal Whites dominated possession for large periods of the second half with Aito Arii content to sit back and absorb the pressure and counter attack.

Vaughan pulled one back for the Futsal Whites before accumulated fouls became a factor. New Zealand was sent to the second penalty mark first through Bakr al-Saudi, who missed, and then Eakins who converted to give the Futsal Whites a sniff.

Tahiti scored again to kill off the match and take the series with a game to play and showing the benefits of a three month, intensive preparation programme.
Tahiti focussing on the emerging forms of the game, and looking to challenge the Solomon Islands dominance as kings of the court in Oceania.

"What has really struck me since being here is the emphasis Tahiti is putting on small-sided games like futsal and beach soccer," said New Zealand Football Futsal Development Manager Dave Payne.

"Tahiti will be the ones to watch in July, they're definitely closing the gap on the Solomon's."

New Zealand will host the OFC Futsal Championship – which could involve teams from the Asian Football Confederation – scheduled for July in Auckland, while Tahiti will host the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup from September 18 – 28.

The final match of the series is scheduled for Wednesday night (NZT).






Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com