The Fiji football live blog 2019 provided fans with a front-row seat to the Bula Boys’ exciting year. From Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Nations Cup qualifiers to international friendlies, the blog captured all the action and drama as it unfolded. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and relive some of the key moments of Fiji football in 2019.
Fiji in the OFC Nations Cup Qualifiers
Fiji’s quest for a spot in the 2020 OFC Nations Cup began in earnest in 2019. The Bula Boys were drawn into a challenging group with New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and Solomon Islands.
The team’s opening match against Vanuatu was a tense affair, with both sides creating chances but unable to find the back of the net. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, leaving Fiji with work to do in their remaining group stage matches.
Fiji faced a tough test in their next match against New Caledonia, a team known for their physicality and tactical discipline. The match was a cagey affair, with both sides struggling to break down the other’s defense. However, New Caledonia eventually found a breakthrough in the second half, scoring the only goal of the match to secure a 1-0 victory.
The loss to New Caledonia put Fiji in a precarious position, needing a win against Solomon Islands in their final group stage match to keep their qualification hopes alive.
The match against Solomon Islands was a thrilling encounter, with both teams playing attacking football. Fiji took the lead in the first half through a well-taken goal, but Solomon Islands equalized early in the second half. The Bula Boys showed great character and determination to regain the lead midway through the second half, eventually holding on for a 2-1 victory.
International Friendlies: A Test of Mettle
In addition to the OFC Nations Cup qualifiers, Fiji also played a number of international friendlies in 2019. These matches provided valuable experience for the team as they looked to build towards future tournaments.
One of the most notable friendlies was against Malaysia, a team ranked significantly higher than Fiji in the FIFA World Rankings. The match was played in Kuala Lumpur and saw Malaysia emerge as 2-1 victors. Despite the loss, Fiji put in a spirited performance, demonstrating their potential to compete against stronger opposition.
Fiji players competing against Malaysia
Conclusion: A Year of Growth and Promise for Fiji Football
While Fiji ultimately fell short in their bid to qualify for the 2020 OFC Nations Cup, the team’s performances throughout 2019 provided plenty of reasons for optimism. The Bula Boys showed flashes of brilliance and a fighting spirit that will serve them well in the years to come. As Fiji football continues to develop and grow, the 2019 season will be remembered as a year of valuable lessons and important milestones on the team’s journey to future success.