The Vodafone Fijian U20 team created history by beating Honduras 3-0 and claiming a first-ever FIFA World Cup tournament win for Fiji in Christchurch, New Zealand, yesterday.
The goals were scored in the first half by Iosefo Verevou, Saula Waqa and own goal by Kevin Alvarez.
Acting Prime Minister and Attorney-General, Minister for Finance, Public Service, Pulic Enterprises Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum congratulated the team on their wonderful achievement.
“Every Fijian should celebrate the wonderful achievement in winning Fiji’s very first-ever FIFA competition beating,” he said.
“Our congratulations go out to every member of the team. They are a cause of inspiration and role models for everyone who plays sport and everyone who wants to get Fiji on the international stage.”
Minister for Youth and Sports Laisenia Tuitubou said the win proved Vodafone Fijian 7s coach Ben Ryan’s sentiments that “champions can be made out of our local boys.
“The last time we saw the boys was at the farewell we had for them at the New Zealand Embassy,” he said.
“And we told them that they have already created history by qualifying for the FIFA U20 World Cup.
“But their win today (yesterday) is such a major bonus for the boys. The loss to Germany was expected, but to see them make a huge turnaround just proves what Ben Ryan said, that we can champions out of our local boys.”
Tuitubou said the Government would continue its support by bringing overseas experts to help lift the standard of football.
“I want to congratulate the boys on behalf of the nation and to let them know that we are behind them all the way.”
Meanwhile, Fiji National Sports Commission chairman Peter Mazey said Fiji’s win has proved that the youths in Fiji can step up, especially with the right coaching.
“The scoreline speaks for itself and it is such a great achievement because this justifies our faith in the youths of Fiji,” Mazey said.
“It has also proved the effectiveness and the influence of international coaching; we have seen it happen with cricket and now in football.
“I think the team and the management should be very proud because they have made the whole of Fiji proud and I definitely look forward to their next game on Sunday.”
Fiji will play their last pool game against Uzbekistan on Sunday at 2pm at the Northland Events Centre, New Zealand.
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