Futsal Whites face higher-ranked Solomon Islands in final of OFC Futsal Cup

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New Zealand’s Futsal Whites face a Solomon Islands side that goes into Sunday’s final at the OFC Futsal Cup in Suva, Fiji, with a better world ranking.

The New Zealand team is currently ranked 63rd in world futsal rankings while the Solomon Islands are listed as the 53rd best-performing side, according to published ratings here >>>>

However, the rankings of the Futsal Whites follow the side not competing for three years after a hiatus forced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coach Marvin Eakins says the tournament in Fiji is an important step in his squad’s preparation for next year’s Futsal World Cup qualifying stages.

If successful next year, New Zealand will go to the FIFA Futsal World Cup finals to be held in 2024, at a venue country yet to be announced.

Fixture

New Zealand v Solomon Islands
Vodafone Arena, Suva, 6pm (NZT)

How they got to the final

New Zealand

Semi-final

Game played on Saturday September 17, 2022

Click here for match report >>>>

New Zealand 6 (Sean McIntee 4′, Logan Wisnewski 21′, Jordi Ditford 23′, Ethan Martin 32′, Hamish Grey 38′, own goal 39′)
New Caledonia 1 (Emmanual Hmaen 27′)

Group games

Game played on Tuesday September 13, 2022

Click here for match report >>>>

New Zealand 5 (Rahan Ali 2′, 26′, Sean McIntee 18′, Jordi Ditford 24′, Hamish Grey 28′)
Fiji FA Presidents Five 1 (Ravneel Pal 12′)

Game played on Wednesday September 14, 2022

Click here for match report >>>>

New Zealand 1 (Rahan Ali 3′)
Vanuatu 1 (Rhydley Napau 26′)

Game played on Friday September 16, 2022

Click here for match report >>>>

New Zealand 15 (Casery Sharplin 2′, Ethan Martin 4′, 20′, 26′, 37′, Hamish Grey 6′, Rahan Ali 12′, 32′, Sean McIntee 13′, Oban Hawkins 19′, 39′, Stephen Ashby 20′, Adam Paulsen 26′, 33′, Logan Wisnewski 31′)
Tonga 1 (Lachman Atoa 7′)