New Zealand v Fiji
Monday 21 March, 8pm (Local) | Tuesday 22 March, 6am (NZ)
Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha, Qatar

One down, two to go in Group B. The All Whites kicked off their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Oceania Qualifiers campaign with a 1-0 win over Papua New Guinea and will be looking to make it two from two against Fiji, who also won their first game at the tournament, beating New Caledonia 2-1.  

The Fijians impressed in only their second international match in nearly three years, the first being a warm-up against Vanuatu on the eve of the tournament. The Bula Boys displayed some rapid pace in attack and will present a real threat, especially from Sairusi Nalaubu. The speedy forward will only be playing in this third game for Fiji but already has 5 goals to his name. 


What Danny Hay said about them:

“Looking ahead to Fiji, we know the quality they are going to bring. They have been working together on a weekly basis for the last two years so you could see, when they played the other night, that they are highly organised, well coached and are going to offer some real threats at times.”


Likely All Whites Team:

With 24 hours to go until the game, the squad in camp has increased to 25 players after Stefan Marinovic, Tim Payne, Nando Pijnaker, Marko Stamenic, Elijah Just, Callum McCowatt and Chris Wood arrived. Ahead of the match Alex Greive and Jamie Searle are also set to arrive.

A large contingent of A-League Men’s players are set to leave following Game 2 so expect to see them given minutes before they fly home. 


Key Player To Watch: Roy Krishna

A name that needs no introduction to Kiwi football fans. The 34-year-old former Wellington Phoenix legend is a proven goal scorer, netting 51 in his 122 games for the club. Domestically in New Zealand he scored 65 goals in 75 games in his 5 years at Waitakere United. 

Now plying his trade in the Indian Super League, his ATK Mohun Bagan FC side finished 3rd in the 21/22 season with Krishna averaging a goal every third game. 
 

How To Watch:

In Aotearoa New Zealand you can watch the game live on Sky Sport NZ. 

For the rest of the world visit OFC’s website for broadcaster details. 

Article added: Monday 21 March 2022