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Solomons prepare to take on NZ
By MUSARIKE ANANGAI
Oceania Football Confederation tournament favourites New Zealand
have had a chance to see both the Solomon Islands and PNG play on
Monday and have devised separate plans to counter both teams when
they face them today and on Friday respectively.
New Zealand takes on the Solomon Islands at 11 o'clock this
morning while hosts PNG will clash with Tonga at 1.30pm at the Sir
Ignatius Kilage Stadium in Lae for the second round matches.
Head coach John Herdman said yesterday that their opponents play
different styles of football and his team formation and tactics
will vary in the two remaining matches.
Centre back Maia Jackman, was outstanding on Monday and Herdman is
expecting a similar performance from her today.
The Kiwis are also expected to use the width of the field as much
as possible giving speedy flanker Alexander Riley the chance to
set up her strikers infield.
The Solomon Islands coach Noel Wagapu said on Monday that because
most of the girls were new to the senior team after coming through
the ranks, every match this week would be a learning experience
for them.
Sixteen-year-old and last year's Honiara women's league golden
boot winner Laydah Samani and fellow forward Prudence Fula will
lead their charge today.
Of the two matches Herdman is particularly looking forward to the
tie against PNG.
"We are excited to play PNG and have devised a strategy to cope
with their (PNG's) strikers," he said.
"And it may mean less attack (more emphasis on defence) to counter
their strengths".
Herdman has every right to be concerned about PNG's attack after
striker Deslyn Siniu and midfielder Jaccqueline Chalau contributed
five goals out of a total of 14 scored by all teams on day one.
Goals: 3 - Siniu (PNG), 2 - Kirsty Yallop (NZ), Wendi Henderson
(NZ), Chalau (PNG), 1 - Prudence Fula (SI), Vasi Feke (Tonga),
Abby Erceg (NZ) and Zoe Thompson (NZ).
Solomons back Audrey Galo scored an own goal against PNG.
New Zealand trounced Tonga 6-1 in the first round in a match
Herdman has described as "over after the 20 minutes".
Said Herman: "Leading 3-0 the players relaxed and the game
changed. It was a challenge to keep the focus and the same
intensity after that".
 
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