The Vodafone Fiji Under 20 soccer team has created history after winning their first ever match in a FIFA World Cup.
Fiji beat Honduras 3‑nil in their second pool match in Christchurch yesterday.
Playing in seven degrees temperature, Rewa striker Iosefo Verevou scored first in the 14th minute and five minutes later Saula Waqa from Ba increased Fiji’s lead when they got an indirect free kick in Honduras penalty box.
Fiji’s third goal was scored by Antonio Tuivuna in the 45th minute.
Honduras has made five FIFA U20 World Cup appearances and played in the semifinals of the CONCACAF U20 Championship in 2009.
Fijian goalkeeper Misiwane Nairube made some great saves as Honduras created some good chances to score goals.
Fiji’s next group match will be against Uzbekistan at 2pm this Sunday.
We have to win the last pool match to qualify for the round of 16 of the FIFA Under 20 World Cup.
Meanwhile Fiji Under 20 soccer coach Frank Farina has praised his players for the historic win against Honduras.
Farina says they had planned to press hard from the start and that is exactly what the players did.
This allowed them to take chances and frustrate their opponents.
Farina adds that his players are known for being strong in defence and have proven they can also score.
He says the players have realised that they can play at this level and that they do deserve to be there.
The former Socceroos player says they have nothing to lose and will fight to go through to the top 16 as they improve from each game and learn from this incredible experience.
Honduras coach Jorge Jimenez says Fiji deserved to win and they won fairly.
