Posted September 10, 2023 02:49
· last edited September 10, 2023 02:54
Unfortunately this is how it is and its well known in Fijian football circles. Ive played in Fiji in the past and the rough play, dodgy reffing and uneven fields are just the norm. It may get 'results' in their backyard and for winners in their domestic game but its actually destroying Fiji football. Other Pacific teams like the Solomons and New Caledonia have better skilled players. I know rugby seems to be the big thing in Fiji but EVERYONE also plays football everywhere, in villages, on any field you find lots of football being played. Lots of good Fijian players in NZ as well but they need to overhaul their program and start with proper technique and structure, not just 'bully ball'.chubbs
Might seem a bit churlish after a 9-0 victory but was a bit underwhelmed by parts of the performance. Okay it is difficult when the opposition is so poor and playing against 10 men for 70 minutes , but parts of the performance , particularly in the second half , were very sloppy. Lots of poor passing and average defending that would have been punished by a better side. On the positive note it was great to see some of the attacking players being prepared to take on opposition defenders. Not sure what the crowd was but my ticket was 1428 and lots came in after me although may have been pre purchased. Gate sales procedure was abysmal - really slow and only 2 booths. Crowd was predominantly Fijian who were remarkably good natured given the pantsing they were getting. Fijian football always disappoints me. They have some great athletes and the local Indian population financially supports the game. as usual poor discipline was a problem. It appears to me that in domestic Fijian football rough and dangerous play often goes unpunished and that play is severely clamped down on when they play in Oceania tournaments. After about 15 minutes I commented to the person beside me that I couldn't see Fiji finishing with 11 . They were a little fortunate to finish with just 10 as you could see the NZ team getting very frustrated with some of the fouls late on. The Tahitian referee (Huata - not sure of the spelling ) kept things under control well. He is probably the best ref in Oceania and given he is not a Kiwi gets most of the big games
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Unknown editoredited September 10, 2023 02:54
chubbs
Might seem a bit churlish after a 9-0 victory but was a bit underwhelmed by parts of the performance. Okay it is difficult when the opposition is so poor and playing against 10 men for 70 minutes , but parts of the performance , particularly in the second half , were very sloppy. Lots of poor passing and average defending that would have been punished by a better side. On the positive note it was great to see some of the attacking players being prepared to take on opposition defenders. Not sure what the crowd was but my ticket was 1428 and lots came in after me although may have been pre purchased. Gate sales procedure was abysmal - really slow and only 2 booths. Crowd was predominantly Fijian who were remarkably good natured given the pantsing they were getting. Fijian football always disappoints me. They have some great athletes and the local Indian population financially supports the game. as usual poor discipline was a problem. It appears to me that in domestic Fijian football rough and dangerous play often goes unpunished and that play is severely clamped down on when they play in Oceania tournaments. After about 15 minutes I commented to the person beside me that I couldn't see Fiji finishing with 11 . They were a little fortunate to finish with just 10 as you could see the NZ team getting very frustrated with some of the fouls late on. The Tahitian referee (Huata - not sure of the spelling ) kept things under control well. He is probably the best ref in Oceania and given he is not a Kiwi gets most of the big games