Fijivillage
NEWS SPORTS IN DEPTH
20 March, 2026, 12:24 pm
Central - 29°C Rain
20 March, 2026, 12:24 pm Central - 29°C Rain

Bula Boys to rely on defensive strategy against All Whites in FIFA World Cup qualifier semi-final

Bula Boys to rely on defensive strategy against All Whites in FIFA World Cup qualifier semi-final

By Rashika Kumar
21/03/2025
Photo: Oceania Football

The Fiji Bula Boys will be relying on their defensive strategy when they take on New Zealand All Whites in the semi final of the FIFA World Cup 26 Oceania Qualifiers this evening.

Coach Rob Sherman says they recognise they will be living without the ball for considerable periods.

He says to remain in the game, they will have to keep the score low.

Sherman says their preparations have been extensive where they have prepared in Fiji for two weeks, had a weeks break and trained for three weeks in Wellington.

He says this was necessary because the players' tactical understanding isn't great but they have adapted as the weeks have gone by.

The Bula Boys take on the All Whites at 6pm today.

Tahiti takes on New Caledonia in the first semi final at 2pm.

The winner of the final will earn direct qualification for the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup in North America (Canada, Mexico, and the United States).

The runner-up will advance to the intercontinental playoffs, where they will compete for one of the final spots in the tournament.

FNRL
FEATURE NEWS
PM knew Rokoika's appointment was unlawful - Malimali
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka knew that Lavi Rokoika's appointment based on his recommendation was illegal as he had indicated that amendments will b...
10 minutes ago
LATEST NEWS
PM knew Rokoika's appointment was unlawful - Malimali
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka knew that Lavi Rokoika's appointment based on his recommendation was illegal as he had indicated that amendments will ...
10 minutes ago

Reflect on truth and justice this Ram Naumi - Professor Prasad
As we celebrate Ram Naumi, we are reminded of the values of Lord Rama including truth, duty, justice, and the courage to stand against injustice. ...
17 minutes ago

High Court refuses State's mistrial application in Health Tender case
The Suva High Court has refused the State's application for a mistrial in the Health Tender trial of former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, former ...
19 minutes ago

Gulf conflict raises economic concerns for Fiji and Pacific Nations
The ongoing conflict in the Gulf region is creating growing global economic uncertainty, with concerns emerging over its potential impact on Fiji and ...
4 hours ago

National measures needed to address fuel sourcing and supply risks - FCEF
The Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) says the national measures that will be put in place by the Fuel Controller, the Fuel Advisory ...
4 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Fiji Sports Council Saga: Minister ready to repay business class air fare for wife as concerns grow about Sports Council deals
I was invited to travel to New Zealand by the Fiji Sports Council for a grassroots 7s tournament in 2024, I travelled business class but it was ...
14 days ago

National Talanoa Session on Illicit Drugs in Fiji: 2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025
The illicit drug situation in Fiji has been described as a national emergency, with 2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025. Minister for Policing ...
21 days ago

Charlie Charters held at Nadi Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file
Fijian national, Charlie Charters is being held at immigration at Nadi International Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file.fijivillage News has ...
21 days ago

TOP