Update: 7:27PM 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 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.”
