OFC/FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFYING FIXTURES FINALISED
The draw for the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Stage 2 FIFA World Cup qualifying draw has been finalized with the New Zealand vs. Fiji match at North Harbour Stadium, Saturday 13th October, 2007, opening the four team home and away tournament. OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas said the delay in formally announcing the draw was necessary to ensure all competing member associations were happy with the new fixture list. “There were sensitivities surrounding this draw. Both Fiji and New Zealand were prepared for an October start and had changed their domestic fixture lists, booked stadiums and reached agreements with local television broadcasters regarding coverage so it was crucial OFC helped ensure these contracts endured. However, New Caledonia wanted to delay the start of the tournament to November so they could book stadia and promote the matches adequately. In Vanuatu’s case, there is the need to ensure their stadium in Port Vila is up to standard and they preferred a November start date,” Nicholas said.
DATE MATCH KICK-OFF
SAT 13/10/07 New Zealand vs. Fiji 1600hrs NZT
WED 17/10/07 Fiji vs. New Zealand
SAT 17/11/07 Vanuatu vs. New Zealand
SAT 17/11/07 Fiji vs. New Caledonia
WED 21/11/07 New Zealand vs. Vanuatu
WED 21/11/07 New Caledonia vs. Fiji
SAT 14/06/08 Vanuatu vs. New Caledonia
SAT 21/06/08 New Caledonia vs. Vanuatu
SAT 06/09/08 New Caledonia vs. New Zealand
SAT 06/09/08 Fiji vs. Vanuatu
WED 10/09/08 New Zealand vs. New Caledonia
WED 10/09/08 Vanuatu vs. Fiji