The Fiji Under 20 soccer team's hope of playing in the Under 20 World Cup seems to have been dashed after they lost their opening match to New Zealand in the Oceania playoffs in Tahiti yesterday.

The Carlos Buzetti coached side went down 3-0 to New Zealand.

Fiji must now win their remaining two games and hope that New Zealand goes down to New Caledonia and hosts Tahiti.

Buzetti after the match said they are keeping their fingers crossed for an upset but New Zealand with more experienced players from the other three teams looks to be the team to beat.

Fiji will now play New Caledonia tomorrow while New Zealand will take on Tahiti.

In the other Oceania Under 20 playoff match yesterday Tahiti and New Caledonia played to a nil-all draw.

The winner of the playoffs will qualify for the FIFA Under 20 World Cup, that will be held in Egypt next year.