Early tomorrow morning the All Whites will face 'Le Cagous' of New Caledonia, in an Oceania World Cup qualifying match. The game will be played in Qatar's SC stadium in Doha.
The New Caledonians will be desperate to salvage something after their dismal performances at the OFC qualifiers so far; having lost to both Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
New Caledonia's players listen in during training in Qatar. Photo: OFC Media
After losing due to an own goal against Fiji, the Cagous were hoping not to make the same mistake against the Papuans. But, in the 7th minute, Joseph Athalé lost control of the ball at a key moment, allowing Emile Béaruné to score for the Kapuls.
In contrast, Papua New Guinea only needs a draw in their final match in Group B to join New Zealand in the semi-finals. Although strong defensively against New Caledonia, the Kapuls were defeated by the All-Whites who also thrashed Fiji 4-0.
At present the team standings are as follows:
The All Whites are first with 6 points and a goal difference of +5.
The Papuans are second on 3 points and a goal difference of 0.
Fiji is 3rd with 3 points and a goal difference of -3.
The New Caledonians are 4th and last with 0 points and with a doal difference of goal of -2.