14 January, 2026, 1:14 pm Central - 27°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
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