Vanuatu are hoping for an improved showing against hot favourites New Zealand at the Oceania Under 20 Women's Football Championship.
The Melanesians were thumped 12-0 when the sides met last year in the regional competition.
Vanuatu players line up at the Oceania Under 20 Women's Football Championship. Photo: Oceania Football
New Zealand have been lethal, racking up 41 goals in big wins against Tonga and New Caledonia, so far in Nuku'alofa.
Vanuatu players celebrate a goal at the Oceania Under 20 Women's Football Championship. Photo: Oceania Football
Vanuatu beat New Caledonia 4-0 in their opening match and coach Joel Rarua says they will need to step it up again.
"The objective we have to play against New Zealand today is to give us a close match and ensure that within the full 90 minutes we have to make sure we achieve the objective to keep the score matching and try our best to score some goals. We will do our best to make sure we put out one of the best games agains the defending champion".
Another win would put New Zealand five points clear and all-but seal their spot at next year's World Cup in Papua New Guinea.
New Caledonia face Samoa in the other match today with both teams still seeking their first win of the tournament.
