The Futsal Whites, who did not take in last year’s competition, saw off a strong second half challenge from the hosts to secure their third consecutive win.

Fiji meanwhile will be disappointed to record their first loss of the campaign and with the Solomon Islands still to play, their title hopes have taken a severe blow.

Malivuk set the Kiwis off on the right foot with a goal inside five minutes patient build-up play.

Up-and-coming youngster Dylan Manickum made it two in the 14th minute, the 18-year-old firing home on his second attempt after a New Zealand breakaway.

New Zealand were hitting their stride and a goal came less than a minute later again through front man Malivuk.

A lapse in concentration let Fiji back in the game after Marvin Eakins’ restart ran through the legs of Lucas Da Silva for Fiji’s Sedrick Dutt to run onto and slot the ball home.

The second period was high intensity as Fiji pushed numbers forward in search of goals. Roy Krishna grabbed one in the 24th minute before Malivuk gave New Zealand another two-goal cushion.

The teams once again exchanged goals midway through the half with Petero Dauniseka and Lucas Da Silva both getting on the score card before Fijian defender Jo Dugucagi brought the deficit back to one with seven minutes to play.

But it was that man Malivuk who was again in the right place at the right time, finishing off a set play in the 35th minute.

New Zealand join Fiji on nine points but the hosts hang onto second place behind the Solomon Islands with a superior goal difference.

New Zealand take on Fiji in the first match at 4:30pm local time before Tahiti face off with Solomon Islands at 6:30pm and New Caledonia clash with Tuvalu at 8:30pm.

All matches will be streamed LIVE online via Oceaniafootball.com

Here’s a look at how the teams are looking ahead of the fifth round of matches:

New Zealand vs Fiji

This is one of the key matches of the championship, particularly for New Zealand’s Futsal Whites. Solomon Islands and Fiji, the pre-tournament favourites to occupy the top two places, have now begun to pull away from the pack and the Kiwis need to win this one to stay in contention. If New Zealand lose, it’s hard to see Fiji slipping up elsewhere and letting coach Matthew Chandler’s side back into the title running. The Futsal Whites will approach this match with plenty of confidence after posting two wins on the trot, 3-2 over Vanuatu and 2-1 against Tahiti respectively. They also have several players in good form – captain Marvin Eakins has hardly put a foot wrong, the tricky Brazilian-born Lucas da Silva has scored in each of the last two matches, and playmaker Miro Major is becoming more influential with every game. New Zealand also have striker Miroslav Malivuk, hugely impressive in the first game against the Solomons, back from injury and he will be keen to get back on the goal trail. This will be the toughest examination of their qualities since that 8-4 defeat to the Kurukuru though – Fiji are hitting their stride after a slow start and are probably the only side with a genuine chance of challenging the Solomons for the title.

Tahiti vs Solomon Islands

The French Polynesians will have their work cut out for them to get anything from this game. Their form so far has been solid enough – they have won two of their four games – but the Solomons are the benchmark for futsal in this part of the world and have used this tournament to emphasise the gulf in class that exists between them and everyone else. Coach Dickson Kadau’s team have scored 25 goals in their three matches and no other team has come close to matching their skill and speed. Even with the suspended Elliot Ragomo out of action yesterday, they still managed to put eight past Vanuatu – one of the sides expected to push for a top-three finish – and have bundles of talent all over the court. Micah Lea’alafa scored a hat-trick last night to take his tally to nine and lead the golden boot race, while Jack Wetney is also showing why he picked up the player of the tournament award in 2009. Tahiti are a well-organised side and their defence is tough to break down – no team has scored more than two goals against them. But that record is under serious threat tonight and the Kurukuru are likely to continue their streak of high-scoring wins.

New Caledonia vs Tuvalu

Underdogs Tuvalu will see this as their best chance yet to finally pick up an historic win. This is their second appearance at the OFC championships and they are yet to post a victory but will fancy their chances here. New Caledonia have had a disastrous campaign results-wise and are the only other side without any points to show for their efforts. In fairness, they have been unlucky in previous matches but they were well beaten last night by a Kamal Hassan-inspired Fiji. Coach Eric Michalak and his men will be desperate to restore some pride and get something from the tournament so a loss will be out of the question. But Tuvalu have a real chance of causing an upset – New Caledonia’s poor run must have affected their confidence and, despite losing all their matches, Tuvalu have shown some promising signs. They gave Fiji a bit of a scare on day three and led 1-0 for much of the game before the hosts showed their class by hitting five goals in the last ten minutes. Tuvalu more than make up for what they lack in the technical department with their determined attitude and, if they can apply themselves as they did against Fiji, New Caledonia could have a very tough game on their hands indeed.

Vanuatu will have a bye today.

Upcoming matches:
12/8/10 4:30pm New Zealand vs Fiji
12/8/10 6:30pm Tahiti vs Solomon Islands
12/8/10 8:30pm New Caledonia vs Tuvalu

For full schedule and results click here

For official team lists click here

Both sides hit nine points following Fiji’s 6-2 win over New Caledonia and the Solomons’ 8-3 drubbing of Vanuatu. They sit three points clear at the top of the table, with the Kurukuru ahead on goal difference, while New Zealand are the next best team with six points from three matches.

It was a slow start to match day four as Tahiti and New Zealand played out the first goalless half of the tournament before the Futsal Whites came through 2-1 winners by the end.

The last minute victory, thanks to Brazilian-born pivot Lucas Silva, followed on from their equally dramatic win over Vanuatu the day before.

“We seem to be a team that refuses to lose,” said coach Matt Chandler, speaking after the match. “We defend well, we defend with our hearts and attack with purpose.”

Goal hero Silva echoed these sentiments saying the team has gelled well despite having only been together for around 8 weeks.

“There is a really good spirit within the team. We never give up we try until the last minute, the last second, and that’s what worked for us yesterday and today.”

In the second match of the day, Fiji started slowly against New Caledonia going into the break 1-1. But as the game opened up in the second period the hosts capitalised scoring another five to make it 6-2. Captain Kamal Hassan, who scored a brace of goals, says keeping their unbeaten record was a boost but admits there is a long way to go.

“We are happy we’ve got three wins but our hardest games are still to come. New Zealand tomorrow and then it’s the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu,” said Hassan.

“We hope the fans continue to come out and support the team to give us the extra lift we need.”

It has been the Solomon Islands drawing the most supporters to Vodafone Arena, particularly students from the University of the South Pacific (USB).

Kurukuru forward Jack Wetney, who scored two goals in his side’s 8-3 victory over Vanuatu today, says the fans have been brilliant.

“The atmosphere is something else I can’t explain it. We definitely feel at home here.”

Leading goal scorer Micah Lea’alafa was the other star on day four with his well-taken hat-trick but Wetney says it was a team effort.

“Elliot coudn’t play but all the boys stepped up to get the win. We’re a young side but at the same time we have more experience compared to the other teams. We have been on overseas tours and that has helped us. Overall we’re just really confident at the moment.”

Match day five will see New Zealand play Fiji first up before Tahiti take on the Solomon Islands and finally New Caledonia and Tuvalu will go out to seek their first points in the tournament.

To download the match summary Tahiti-New Zealand click here.

To download the match summary New Caledonia-Fiji click here.

To download the match summary Vanuatu-Solmon Islands click here.

To download the competition summary, click here.

Captain Kamal Hassan again led from the front with a double while Uraia Loki also struck twice.

New Caledonia meanwhile are out of the running after their fourth straight loss.

But Eric Michalak’s men were the first to score in the 6th minute when captain Loic Caunes set off on a breakaway from inside his own half and struck the ball low across the goalkeeper.

Hassan equalised from the penalty spot on 10 minutes and that’s how it stayed until the break.

New Caledonia took the lead again two minutes after the break with Caunes scoring one of the goals of the tournament – a low drive from close to his own half way line that had Ronan Euzen beaten all ends up.

The 23-year-old continued to be a live wire for his side while Ivann Pourouoro also caused problems for the Fijian defense.

But it was all square again when Loki hit home in the 24th minute and Fiji started to take control of the match as the home crowd cheered them on.

Three goals in five minutes from Sedrick Dutt, Hassan and Siaa Ali turned the game on its head before Loki, who celebrated his 25th birthday yesterday, put the icing on the cake with a right-foot screamer in the 39th minute.

Fiji move to nine points with three wins from three and look to have the best shot of upsetting the Solomon Islands for the title, while New Caledonia are yet to pick up their first point in the round-robin competition.

To download the match summary of the game, click here.

The inspirational Ragomo had to sit out the match due to suspension but Michah Lea’alafa stepped up to score a hat-trick and take his tournament tally to nine.

The favourites remain at the top of the table equal on points with hosts Fiji but with a superior goal tally of plus six.

Jack Wetney put the favourites ahead in the sixth minute after rounding the goalkeeper and slotting home from a tight angle.

The tournament’s leading goal scorer Lea’alafa doubled the lead two minutes later before Vanuatu settled into the game with a more structured defense.

Coleman Makau then scored just before the break to give the Solomon Islands a three-goal cushion going into the break.

The Kurukuru hit their stride in the second period, entertaining the 2000 plus crowd with plenty of ball skills.

Lea’alafa was particularly impressive while Wetney showed some magic footwork to round the keeper yet again for his second and the team’s sixth.

But lack of concentration cost the Kurkuru at the end with Vanuatu scoring two in the dying stages through Nemani Roqara and Ben Hungai while an unfortunate own goal made it three for Marcellino Barthelemy’s side.

Vanuatu will day a break for match day five while the Solomons get set to face Tahiti.

To download the match summary of the game, click here.

Said Soleimanpour had earlier put the Futsal Whites ahead in the 32nd minute when he climbed above goalkeeper Atanui Tetihia to head home from close range.

But the Tahitians hit back five minutes later through captain Teva Durot after his low drive from 10 yards took a deflection off Marvin Eakins.

Step up Silva – one of the most skilful players in the New Zealand who plied his trade in Brazil before moving to New Zealand five years ago.

The 25 year-old slotted the ball home after a clever interchange from Micky Malivuk and Miro Major on a New Zealand breakaway.

The Kiwis were fortunate to have Malivuk back from injury while players like Silva, Major and Brayden Lissington are coming into their own.

Clayton Chappell also had a solid game between the sticks taking over from Elias Billeh who started the previous two matches.

But Tahiti will find the loss hard to swallow after Judicael Mai had a guilt-edged chance midway through the first half to take the lead – with an open goal at his mercy – while Loic Oldham hit the upright in the dying stages.

After two losses, it will be difficult for Tapu Hunter’s side to come back while New Zealand still have an outside chance after two wins and a loss.

To download the match summary of the game, click here.

Tahiti take on New Zealand in the first match at 4:30pm local time before New Caledonia face off with Fiji at 6:30pm and Vanuatu clash with Solomon Islands at 8:30pm.

All matches will be streamed LIVE online via Oceaniafootball.com

Here’s a look at how the teams are looking ahead of the fourth round of matches:

Tahiti vs New Zealand

This is an important clash as both teams are very much in the running for the title, or at least a top-three placing. New Zealand’s Futsal Whites started their campaign with a loss against favourites Solomon Islands but bounced back yesterday to earn themselves a crucial 3-2 victory over Vanuatu, another side tipped to go far. Captain Marvin Eakins has been one of the team’s most consistent performers and he was the hero last night, scoring New Zealand’s first goal and then hitting the winner just two minutes from time. Striker Miroslav Malivuk was a star against the Solomons – he scored a hat-trick and was a constant threat to the Kurukuru defence – but could not add to his tally yesterday as he missed the game through injury. If fit enough to take part today, he will be itching to back out on court and find the net again. Tahiti’s two wins have drawn them level on points with front-runners Solomon Islands and Fiji – though they have not had to sit out a match because of the bye yet – and they will see no reason why they can’t extend their run against the Kiwis. But New Zealand will also have pencilled in this game as a chance to get three points so someone is going to be disappointed.

New Caledonia vs Fiji

Judging by the results of the two sides so far, the home team would appear to have this one in the bag. Fiji have won both their matches – 2-0 over Tahiti and 5-1 over Tuvalu – while New Caledonia seem to be in all sorts of trouble after three straight losses. But a closer look reveals this game may not be the walk over many will be expecting. Fiji are yet to produce a complete performance and, despite picking up the pair of wins, will not be particularly pleased with their progress. They struggled to finish off a determined Tahiti side on the opening day and were flattered by last night’s scoreline against Tuvalu. The underdogs actually led 1-0 for most of the match and it took a five-goal blitz in the closing stages to get Fiji over the line. Captain Kamal Hassan smashed in a hat-trick and, given that star striker Roy Krishna has been surprisingly quiet in front of goal, is the man New Caledonia need to starve of possession. Although they are yet to earn any points, New Caledonia have not had luck on their side and two of their defeats have been very narrow – 5-4 against Vanuatu and 3-2 against Tahiti. They are a much better side than their place on the table suggests and, if coach Eric Michalak can restore some confidence to his embattled charges, are capable of springing an upset.

Vanuatu vs Solomon Islands

This match brings two of the title favourites together and should be a fitting finale to the day’s action. Coach Dickson Kadau’s Solomon Islands team have, as expected, been the most entertaining to watch and are in fine goal-scoring form after hitting nine in their opening match against New Caledonia and eight in their second against New Zealand. They go into this game with fresh legs after getting a rest yesterday thanks to the bye and will be keen to pick up where they left off. The ability of Vanuatu is closely matched to that of New Zealand’s – the Futsal Whites beat them 3-2 with a late goal – so they are likely to pose a similar challenge to the Solomons as the Kiwis did. The Kurukuru won that match 8-4, which is not a good sign for Vanuatu’s chances. But Vanuatu have reason to feel confident after winning two of their three matches. Striker Ben Hungai has found a rich vein of form – his goal tally now stands at five – and captain Louis Dominique has also caught the eye with his playmaking ability. Whether they can compete with the likes of Elliot Ragomo and Jack Wetney, two of the best futsal players in Oceania, remains to be seen though and anything other than a Solomons win would be a major surprise.

Tuvalu will have a bye today.

Upcoming matches:
10/8/10 4:30pm Tahiti vs New Zealand
10/8/10 6:30pm New Caledonia vs Fiji
10/8/10 8:30pm Vanuatu vs Solomon Islands

For full schedule and results click here

For official team lists click here

After a flattering 5-1 win over Tuvalu, hosts Fiji remain the only unbeaten side along with the Solomon Islands and sit second to the Kurukuru in the standings only on goal difference.

Tuvalu led 1-0 throughout the match and looked like they could hold on until a late onslaught from the home side including a hat-trick to Kamal Hassan.

The Fiji captain says they were fortunate to get out of the match with maximum points.

“I think we took Tuvalu very lightly in the match but they proved to be a good side. When Tuvalu scored an early goal we seemed to rush things but a good talk at half time by the coach and team director settled us down.

“We are happy with the win and I would like to thank the boys for the effort.” Hassan.

Fiji coach Hussein Sahib says there will be areas to work on before their next match.

“I discussed with the boys what went wrong in the first half and in second half they came out to show their true character. I’m happy with the way they finished the game. But we definitely need to go back and talk about the way we started this match,” says Sahib.

Tahiti also enjoyed their second straight victory edging New Caledonia 3-2 to take them to six points. After going down two goals in the first half, Tapu Hunter’s side hit back after the break through Teva Durot, Mana Faarahia and Tevarii Kaiha.

Front man Herenui Peretii says the team will take a lot of confidence from the dramatic victory.

“We were a bit unlucky at the start but we came back in the second half and put them under a lot of pressure. We got our attackers in the game more than in our last two games. We’re learning every game.”

Peretii says the tournament has been valuable experience for the young side.

“This is the first international tournament for many of the players. I think the team is getting better each game. We play with heart and anything is possible in sport so we’ll try to win the championship.”

New Zealand meanwhile beat Vanuatu by the same margin; a brace to captain Marvin Eakins from two set plays capping off a gutsy performance. The Futsal Whites were without Micky Malivuk who is still recovering from a knock in the first match but coach Matt Chandler says there was enough depth in the squad to see them through.

“We hope Micky’s going to come right but we’re strong as a team so I’m not too concerned. I thought Marvin was incredible today. I couldn’t take him off, he just had to stay in the game. The boys showed a lot of character and I think we grew up a little bit as a futsal team tonight.

“I was particularly pleased that they bounced back from a the equalising goal. We’ve got a lot of belief now and we’ll take that into our next match.”

New Zealand will face Tahiti in tomorrow’s opening match with the Fiji-New Caledonia clash to follow and finally the match of the day will feature Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.

To download the match summary New Caledonia-Tahiti click here.

To download the match summary Vanuatu-New Zealand click here.

To download the match summary Tuvalu-Fiji click here.

For full schedule and results click here

For official team lists click here

Captain Kamal Hassan led the charge with a well taken hat-trick to take Fiji to six points and draw level with Vanuatu and Solomon Islands at the top of the table.

Tuvalu, who have not competed in the Oceania tournament since 2008, went ahead in the sixth minute when Ola Eliu’s left foot strike hit the back of the net. Teammate Malauna Takatea had a golden opportunity to make it two shortly after but goalkeeper Saukuru did well to keep him out.

Fiji should have had an equaliser midway through the half but for some brilliance by Siopepa Tailolo who made a triple save between the sticks.

Tuvalu were the unlikely leaders going into the break and continued to defend well in the second period. Siopepa put in a man-of-the-match performance shutting out wave after wave of Fiji attack.

Jerome Funatuti meanwhile looked dangerous on the counter. But eventually the goal had to come from Fiji and it was Simione Vesa who claimed it in the 33rd minute.

Hassan showed his class with three more before the finish while vice captain Petero Dauniseka also chimed in with one.

Fiji face New Caledonia in tomorrow’s second match while Tuvalu earn a well earned break after three days of action.

To download the match summary of the game, click here.

Captain Marvin Eakins led the way with a goal in each half to help the Futsal Whites to a crucial three points and keep their championship hopes alive.

Chances in the opening 10 minutes were few and far between as both teams took a cautious approach. Vanuatu’s Ben Hungai and Louis Dominique combined well on attack while the Kiwis looked to him front man Said Solemanpour.

Hungai eventually broke the deadlock in the 16th minute, squeezing his second attempt at goal through the legs of goalkeeper Elias Billeh.

But Eakins hit back three minutes later from a set play to draw the scores level going into the break.

Again it was tight in the opening exchanges of the second period as both teams were largely restricted to long range efforts.

It took some fancy footwork down the left from Lucas Silva to break through the Vanuatu defense as he scored on the half hour mark with a left foot drive.

But Vanuatu hit straight back less that a minute later through Hungai who took his tournament tally to five.

The game became increasingly physical in the latter stages with Matt Chandler’s men receiving two yellow cards in the last five minutes to match Vanuatu’s earlier cautions.

With less than two minutes to go, Eakins stepped up to finish off another clever set play and seal the victory for New Zealand.

In day four action, the Futsal Whites meet Tahiti who are on a winning streak after beating New Caledonia by the same scoreline earlier today.

Vanuatu meanwhile have to regroup quickly as they square off against the Solomon Islands.

To download the match summary of the game, click here.