By Asa WIllie and Kevin Darling, Port Moresby 2015 Games News Service
PORT MORESBY, July 7 – The coach of Federated States of Micronesia’s soccer team, which conceded 114 goals in three games at Port Moresby 2015, was already looking ahead to the next Pacific Games after watching his side lose 46-0 to Vanuatu on Tuesday.
“I got the really good news yesterday that we will be allowed to come back and compete in the next Pacific Games. That was big relief for me, because I was really worried the organisers would take us out of the competition because of our scores,” Stan Foster (AUS) said.
“I’ve been assured that we’ll be allowed to come back and that they’re aware that this is a development squad. They’re boys, not men. And they’ve been playing against well-seasoned men. I’m hoping the majority of our boys will be here for at least eight years.”
Micronesia lost their first Pool A match to Tahiti by the eye-catching score of 30-0 and their scores got progressively worse, with Tuesday’s defeat preceded by a 38-0 loss to Fiji.
Foster said it would be difficult for his team to improve until governing body Fifa recognises them and gives them an official world ranking.
“I’m hoping that Fifa will be coming (to Micronesia) next week for inspections and to hopefully affiliate us with Asia,” said Foster.
“If they do, that will lead to us having technical assistance and everything else that brings. That would be a huge boost.”
GNS aw/kd for more information visit www.portmoresby2015.com
