Football: Micronesia concede 68 goals in two games

Hapless Micronesia are struggling to stay positive after being thumped 38-0 by Fiji at the Pacific Games, just days after conceding 30 goals to Tahiti.

In scores more reminiscent of rugby, the Federated States of Micronesia were 21-0 down at half-time in the game on Sunday and Fiji complained that they should have scored more.

Coach Stan Foster substituted the side’s goalkeeper Walter Pengelbew for midfielder Dominic Gadad at the break, but it failed to stem the goalfest.

“We’re here for development purposes mainly and I’m just trying to keep the guys upbeat,” he said after the embarrassing defeat at the multi-sport event being held in the Papua New Guinea capital Port Moresby.

“I just wanted the guys to keep fighting all the way through the game so they knew that when they came off they tried their hardest,” he added on the Pacific Games’ website.

Fiji coach Juan Carlos said his side “should have scored more”.

Forwards Tony Tuivuna and Chris Wasasala both hit the back of the net 10 times, while Iosefo Verevou and Napalioni Qasevakatini both scored six each.

Organizers claimed it was the biggest win in international football history, eclipsing Australia’s 31-0 hammering of Samoa in 2001.

However, Micronesia is not a FIFA member and it was an under-23 tournament so it is unlikely to go in the record books.

Micronesia will attempt to restore some pride when they face Vanuatu in their final match in Pool A on Tuesday.