Coach Sees The Positives After World Record Loss

Conor O'Leary
By Conor O'Leary
Share this article

Just days after losing 30-0 to Tahiti, the Federated States of Micronesia let in a record score for an international game in losing 38-0 to Fiji. That score surpasses the previous record of 31-0 that Australia put past American Samoa in 2001.

Despite conceding 68 goals in two games whilst scoring none, the Micronesian coach Stan Foster remained upbeat, saying "We did quite well in the second half".

He had a point. Down 21-0 at half time, Micronesia managed to limit the damage in the second half to just 17 goals thanks to the tactical decision to put midfielder Dominic Gadad in goals at half time.

In fairness to Micronesia, the majority of their players had only taken up the sport in the last 18 months, with Gadad only playing in goals for the first time just three weeks ago.

Things weren't so rosy for 195th ranked Fiji, whose manager was less than pleased. Despite five different players scoring hat-tricks, manager Juan Carlos was annoyed at the wastefulness of his players.

Recommended

Officially, this game counts as an U-23 contest, which means that Fiji's efforts may not be recognised with an official record.

Advertisement

Micronesia will now face Vanuatu in their next Pacific Nations game, who managed to draw with Fiji 1-1 just two days ago.

For Stan Foster and his Micronesia team, it's back to the training pitch:

"They need to work on their first touch."

Advertisement

 

[Irish Times]

 

Join The Monday Club Have a tip or something brilliant you wanted to share on? We're looking for loyal Balls readers free-to-join members club where top tipsters can win prizes and Balls merchandise

Processing your request...

You are now subscribed!

Share this article

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Developed by Square1 and powered by PublisherPlus.com

Advertisement