Fiji soccer coach Juan Carlos Buzzetti is happy with the performance of the three players that made their first appearance in the national jumper against New Zealand in their 2010 World Cup Qualifier fixture in Lautoka yesterday.
Lautoka duo, Jone Vono Junior and Ilaitia Nukurawa along with Alvin Singh of Ba made their debut against the All Whites and featured prominently against the superior opponents.
Vono came off the bench in the second half and set up the Fiji’s second goal while Singh and Nukurawa made the starting team and did a marvelous job in defence keeping the Kiwis at bay in the entire duration of the match.
“I am extremely happy with the new and young players that played New Zealand as their understanding and combination really worked with the rest of the players in the team, he said.
“Alvin and Ilaitia were part of my U20 squad two years ago and have really matured and fitted well in defence while Jone had proven his worth in the IDC for Lautoka and has done well on his debut.
“I am also happy with the performance of Esava Naqeleca as he really controlled play well and is a key player of my Fiji U20 squad.
“New Zealand as claimed by their coach wasn’t an inexperienced side as they had the services of Wellington Phoenix players who play in top division league as well as the U23 players that represented the Oceania region at the recent Olympics.
“They were very fit and superior in comparison to us but we played our cards right and punished them well.
“Roy and Osea functioned well upfront and impact players Jone Vono and Tuimasi Manuca also featured strongly.
“80-85% of my squad comprised of players in the 20-24 age group and the win is a positive direction for us as we build up for future international commitments” added the Uruguayan.
Fiji defeated New Zealand 2-0 through the brilliance of Labasa striker Roy Krishna.
The win was the second for Fiji in the 2010 World Cup Qualifiers.
Fiji finished its campaign with seven (7) points from its two wins, a draw and three losses.
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