New Zealand third at futsal champs

New Zealand finished third at the Oceania futsal championships in Suva after losing their final match 6-4 to New Caledonia last night.

The Solomon Islands won their third successive crown at the indoor soccer tournament while New Zealand were pipped on goal difference by hosts Fiji.

New Zealand coach Matt Chandler was happy with his side's performance at the tournament but felt the Futsal Whites were tired at the end of a long campaign.

"I think one of the big differences tonight was that this was our sixth game on the bounce, while New Caledonia had a bye yesterday and that really refreshed them," he said.

"Some of our key players were feeling the effects of a long week. But those are the same players who have a done tremendous job for us in this tournament, so overall, we're very happy with where we are at.

"We now know where we have to be to succeed next year in the World Cup qualifiers."

Earlier in the evening Fiji overcame Vanuatu 4-0 while the Solomon Islands thrashed Tuvalu 21-2.

- NZPA