The Cook Islands played Solomon Islands at 4am (Cooks Islands time) resulting in a 0-2 score, for their first match up at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar™️ Oceania Qualifiers, Doha, but despite the results the team ended their match painting fans and families at home with pride, for not only their team but their islands.
Grand Hamad Stadium howled with strong winds which played to Solomon Islands advantage, but the Cooks wanting to frustrate the opposition employed a deep hold that seem to work in their favour. Eventually, the Cooks got their first shot on target against the run of play, when player Grover Harmon drove a right foot strike low just inside the box that was forced to a stop by Solomons goalkeeper. Solomons William Komasi then had a chance not long after, with a free kick about 30 meters out from the goal that flew right over the crossbar.
Solomons then used that drive to gain a goal in the 20thminute of the game, making their first mark on the board. After the 37thminute Solomons were hungry for another goal but attempts kept its distance from the back of the net.
A much needed half time break given to the Cooks had an immediate effect, as they went agonizingly close to pulling back a goal just after restart. Captain Ben Mata connected with a cross and headed the ball to a waiting Grover Harmon, whose shot was again deflected by Solomons keeper. The resulting corner saw Mata just miss another header on goal, with the captain smacking the pitch in frustration after the ball had been cleared.
Both sides began changes on the hour mark, with Cooks putting on Lee Harmon to join his brother Grover in the mid-field, but possession dried up for the Cooks as Solomons looked to add to their lead, pushing the Cooks to defend majority of the game.
As the game went along, no further damage was done to the score line as it seemed Solomons had issues playing into the stiff breeze.
The Cook Islands are up against Tahiti for their next fixture, and Coach Alan Taylor exclaims that their performance was an outstanding effort from all the players, given that the team had only 6 days together. “The players should be proud of their effort but not the score. We can do better and must do better next game”. In preparation for their next match against Tahiti Alan explains that they have things to work on especially moving the ball better and quicker and finding the forward passes earlier. Although their offensive game was not going in their match against Solomons, they will need to put it in effect when playing their second match says Alan, but the players were positive after the game and confident they will step up against Tahiti and without a doubt will up the antics in their next match.
The whole Cook Islands team can hold their heads up after solid performances, their side has come in with little preparation and were clear underdogs for this fixture, which has said a lot about the drive and efforts the Cookie Boys put in their first match, while ending their match on different terms they have truly shown pride and proven to all viewers and supporters that they are not going to fall easily.
