Samoa, white, defeated American Samoa 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania Qualifiers in Apia on 6 September 2024. Photo: OFC Media via Phototek
Samoa and Vanuatu both know that the second and third round of Group B matches of the FIFA World Cup 26 Oceania Qualifiers in New Zealand this weekend will be tough.
The two teams are now in Hamilton, gearing up for their matches against Tahiti and New Zealand on Friday.
The top two teams from the group will meet the top two from Group A in the semi-finals in March 2025 as the teams chase a spot at the world cup.
Samoa head coach Jess Ibrom has brought in six new players as he prepares for two tough encounters in the upcoming against Tahiti and New Zealand.
Samoa play Tahiti at FMG stadium in Hamilton on Friday, followed by a challenging match-up with New Zealand at Go Media Stadium in Auckland next Monday night.
Vanuatu captain Brian Kaltak said they face a tough battle against the Kiwis and will need to be at their best.
Samoa in with new reps
Ibrom and his Samoan squad are currently holding a mini pre-camp in Hamilton, preparing intensely for what he calls a "must-win" game against Tahiti, following their 4-1 loss to Vanuatu in Port Vila earlier in October.
"It's going to be a big, big match for the boys. it's obviously a must-win for ourselves and a must-win for Tahiti," he told OFC Media in Hamilton on Monday.
"You take a lot of learning from each campaign, and we are very fortunate the Federation has supported us superbly well.
"As a result, we've brought in some additional players that weren't involved in match days one, two and three. So, we're looking forward to those guys becoming part of the group."
He said their focus has been on match fitness, with a lot of work done since Vanuatu.
"That's the most important factor for us. And I'd certainly say from campaign to campaign, there's been better physical preparation," Ibrom said.
Captain Andrew Setefano said they are excited and look forward to taking on Tahiti, who also lost their first game to New Zealand.
"We are looking forward to the game against Tahiti and New Zealand, which are going to be big games," he said.
"New Zealand will be playing a home game and will have the crowd.
"Our defence is what we have been focusing on as we lost by four goals to Vanuatu and see how best we can play fast counters so that we can score goals as well."
Both Ibrom and Setefani are calling on Samoans in both Hamilton and Auckland to turn up and support them.
New Zealand's Ben Waine scores during the OFC Men's Nations Cup. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Photosport
Kaltak and Vanuatu to take their chances
Captain Kaltak, fresh from the A-League competition in Australia, said they anticipate a tough clash against New Zealand again.
"We are looking forward to the third time this year, which is a big one," he said.
"We know it's not going to be easy facing both of them (NZ and Tahiti) but the boys will be up for a fight," he added.
New Zealand have won both earlier matches this year.
They won 4-0 during the Oceania Cup Group A clash in June and claimed the second win in the Oceania Cup final, with a 3-0 scoreline.
Kaltak said they will take their chances against the Kiwis on Friday.
Draws for FIFA World Cup 26 Oceania Qualifiers Group B in New Zealand:
- Friday, November 15 in Hamilton - Samoa v Tahiti, 4:00pm, New Zealand v Vanuatu, 7:30pm
- Monday, November 18 in Auckland - Tahiti v Vanuatu, 4:00pm, Samoa v New Zealand, 7:30pm
