Another driving factor for New Caledonia is the backdrop of civil unrest in their home country. With concerns for those back home, Wajoka knows that his players will head into tomorrow’s final determined to represent their country with pride and give their supporters something to hold on to.
“It’s already a big thing to be qualified for a World Cup for the country. It would crazy for the country if we were to win this tournament, because the situation right now in New Caledonia is very sad. It could be a great sign for the country,” Wajoka continued.
New Zealand’s Luka Coveny at the OFC Men’s U-19 Championship 2024, Press Conference ahead of the Final between New Caledonia and New Zealand, FFS Football Stadium Apia, Wednesday 17 July 2024. Photo: DJ Mills / www.phototek.nz
With so much at stake and with both sides well aware of each other’s respective strengths, tomorrow’s encounter should prove to be a clash worthy of a final, with both New Caledonia and New Zealand set for the world stage in Chile next year.
Kicking off first up on final day is Solomon Islands and Fiji meeting in the Playoff for 3rd place.
Both sides suffered narrow losses in their respective semi-finals – Solomon Islands 3-2 to New Caledonia and Fiji 1-0 to New Zealand – with both nations looking to try and end their campaigns on a high with a bronze medal victory.
Watch the Playoff for 3rd place and final of the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2024 LIVE and FREE on FIFA+
Road to the Final
New Caledonia
Group B runners-up
v New Zealand, 0-3
v Papua New Guinea, 2-1
v Samoa, 2-1
Semi-final
v Solomon Islands, 3-2 AET
New Zealand
Group B winners
v New Caledonia, 3-0
v Samoa, 5-0
v Papua New Guinea, 10-0
Semi-final
v Fiji, 1-0
Source link : https://www.oceaniafootball.com/new-caledonia-and-new-zealand-prepare-for-final-rematch/
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Publish date : 2024-07-16 23:49:26
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