Big loss

The Cook Islands under 17 men’s soccer team suffered a massive 8-1 loss against New Caledonia in their opening match of the Under 17 World Cup qualifiers in New Zealand on Tuesday afternoon.

But the fact the squad was able to slot in a goal against their fancier opponent will keep the team buoyant ahead of their second match today against Pool leader Tahiti.

The Cook Islands squad played a great defensive game with both sides attempting to kick in goals early in the match.

But in the 36th minute – Cook Islands defenders hesitated allowing New Caledonia captain Tein-Padom past to fire a low shot past Cook Islands goal keeper Rangi Piri to score the team’s first goal.

Three minutes later New Caledonia found the back of the net again to take their lead over the Cooks to 2-0.

The local squad then applied the pressure to take control of the last phases of play in the first half of the game.

Back in the second half the Cooks were on fire and within 4 minutes of the second spell, Tyrell Barringer-Tahiri headed home a corner to put the Cooks back in the game 2-1. And just when it looked like the Cooks might have a chance of evening up the scores – New Caledonia showed their class with a spectacular effort into the top corner of the goal to extend their lead to 3-1.

The goal really fired the New Caledonia team into action as they went on to score five more goals for a comprehensive 8-1 win over the Cook Islands. The local under 17 side will face pool leaders Tahiti today at 1.30pm (NZ time).

The Cook Islands starting squad – Rangi Piri, Ant Samuel (C), Travel Kaukura, Tamaiva Smith, Mii Putai, Temana Pennycook, Marcelo Rairoa, Twin Tiro, Tyrell Barringer-Tahiri, Irangi Mauri and Jamian Iroa.