15K optimistic considering we are playing a nothing team... i hope so.
Our recent results paying dividends.
I'd say that New Caledonia are probably going to be one of the best of the Island teams this time around though.
They have two players playing in Ligue 2 in France - a better league than the A-League.
Only a Chris Wood goal in the 49th minute separated the two sides a the OFC Nations Cup in June - and New Caledonia's star striker Gope-Fenepej wasn't playing.
Lets not forget June 8 2012 when they rather comfortably beat us in the OFC Nations Cup semi in Honiara.
New Caledonia won two friendlies away to the Solomons 3-0 and 1-0 last month.
Georges Gope-Fenepej: 6 games for the striker at fifth-placed Amiens in Ligue 2 so far this season after 18 games in the club's promotion from the third division last season. Previously played 18 games for Troyes in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2; 20 times for Boulogne in the third division. Scored six goals in eight World Cup qualifiers last time around.
Cesar Zeoula: 12 appearances for the midfielder at Stade Lavallois in Ligue 2 this season. 38 appearances last season. Has been there since 2011. First team regular.
Joël Wakanumuné: Eleven year career in French football, the midfielder returned to play in New Caledonia this year.
Jorys Mene: 21 year-old defender, scouted by Amiens as a 12 year-old and played in their youth teams from age 13. Also at Le Havre where he played in the reserve team of the Ligue 2 side. Now at Ailly-Sur-Seine in the fifth tier.
Bertrand Kai: Has played all his club football in his home country but was Oceania Footballer of the Year in 2012 ahead of Smeltz and Wood. The 33 year-old is still one of the most dangerous strikers in Oceania.
Tahiti beat the Solomons at home 1-0 in the opening game of this round of qualifiers during the week:
http://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc/News/ViewArticl...
http://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc/News/ViewArticl...
Oceania qualifying preview: