https://www.oceaniafootball.com/all-whites-mean-business-in-ofc-mens-nations-cup-ahead-of-their-opener-against-solomon-islands/
The Vanuatu and Solomon Island coaches this week acknowledged New Zealand was the benchmark for rival OFC nations, but OFC President Lambert Maltock was quick to remind everyone that the gaps are closing.
The Vanuatu and Solomon Island coaches this week acknowledged New Zealand was the benchmark for rival OFC nations, but OFC President Lambert Maltock was quick to remind everyone that the gaps are closing.
“In 2012, New Zealand lost to New Caledonia in the semis and in 2016 they only beat PNG after penalties in the final, so anyone can beat anyone here,” said the President during a welcome dinner.
Bazeley’s team are aware of the challenge ahead to retain their OFC Nations title.
“They’re going to come up into a different environment, different climate, different pitches and a different style of player than what they used to.
“We’ve got a lot of professional footballers in the squad, but anybody who has been to the islands to play football or watch football knows it’s a different challenge and not always as easy as what people may think.”
