New Zealand head coach Chris Greenacre believes his team still needs to improve ahead of Monday’s crucial semi-final against Fiji in the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship.
Although Greenacre’s team won all three group matches at the Samoa tournament, they unnecessarily risked possession.
“I think we need to improve that significantly if we want to progress in this tournament,” Greenacre told OFC Media.
The winner of Monday’s semi-final will automatically qualify for next year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, as will the winner of the other semi-final between the Solomon Islands and New Caledonia.
“Our mantra throughout the tournament has been to stay focused up front and make sure we’re rock solid at the back and so far that’s working,” said Greenacre.
“It requires a lot of hard work and high concentration, especially in the humidity and heat.”
Greenacre praised his support staff for helping the players recover between games.
“When the games come one after the other, recovery is just as important as the work on the training ground.
“There’s a lot of work involved… analysis on and off the field… so we cover pretty much everything, but recovery is a big part of what we do.”
READ MORE: New Zealand close to qualifying for 2025 FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup >>>>
Watch the interview with Chris Greenacre
Schedules
Matches to be played on Monday, July 15, 2024
Semifinal
Solomon Islands – New Caledonia
FFS Football Stadium, Apia, Samoa, 10am (NZT)
New Zealand – Fiji
FFS Football Stadium, Apia, Samoa, 2:00pm (NZT)
The game will take place on Thursday, July 18, 2024.
final
Winner Semi-Final 1 – Winner Semi-Final 2
FFS Football Stadium, Apia, Samoa, 2:00pm (NZT)
This story was first published on July 14, 2024.
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