Discipline is the key to the Fiji Under-19 football team’s 6-1 win over Vanuatu in the OFC U19 Championship in Apia, Samoa yesterday.

This was highlighted by Fiji U19 coach Marika Rodu as there was no yellow card dished on his players as they finished second in Group A behind the Solomon Islands who beat Tahiti 1-0.

The Fijians are expected to face New Zealand in the semifinal.

Rodu said they have reached the knockout stage of the tournament.

“This is where fatigue comes in after playing three 90-minute matches,” he said.

“Recovery (of the players) is important and there will be some players who are not going to recover on time.”

Rodu reiterated that discipline played a major part in their win and Vanuatu was not an easy team.

“The scoreline did not reflect how tough the game was. Vanuatu is a young talented team who had pushed Solomon Islands and Tahiti.”

Rodu highlighted that after their 3-0 loss to Solomon Islands they came back a strong and confident side.

“There were no yellow cards shown to our players compared to the six we got in the first game.”

The Fiji U19 side trailed Vanuatu 1-0 early in the match.

Fiji U19 captain Peniasi Tirau said they were under a lot of pressure when they were behind.

“For me especially as captain so we had to score the equaliser quickly, which I managed to do. From there we had to work extra harder and raise the momentum in this must-win match,” he said.

The semifinals will be played next Monday.

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj