Fiji women's football coach Marika Rodu says a big gap remains between New Zealand and the rest of Oceania after his side was thrashed 8-0 in the OFC Women's Nations Cup final.
The Football Ferns won their fourth straight regional title to qualify for next year's World Cup in France and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
New Zealand celebrate their OFC Nations Cup win. Photo: OFC via Phototek
Fiji trailed after only two minutes in Noumea and their cause was not helped when influential midfielder Cema Nasau was sent off in the 40th minute after receiving a second yellow card for a challenge on Ria Percival.
While his side well and truly romped to victory, New Zealand coach Tom Sermanni was quick to acknowledge Fiji for their willingness to bring their game to his side.
"Fiji put up a good display today and it obviously became difficult for them when they lost a player but, you know, I've been impressed with the opposition we've come up against in the sense that we've got players that play professionally which makes my life a lot easier," he said.
"But the teams that we've been playing against in this tournament have shown a great amount of heart and character despite what they're up against and what the results have been."
Cema Nasau was sent off just before halftime. Photo: OFC via Phototek
Fiji keeper Adi Tuwai was awarded the tournament's golden glove award and coach Marika Rodu was pleased with the progress the team has shown in the Nations Cup, having won through from the qualifying stage earlier this year, but admitted they let themselves down in the decider.
"I'm happy with the overall performance and the outcome of the tournament but how we managed this game was totally unacceptable," he said.
"To lose to a better team we can take that. Now it's for us to reflect back on this game because it's a game that you really measure up your status in the region. You played the best team in the region and you can see the difference. There's a gap - a technical gap, the tactical gao and the physical component as well.
"Nothing to take away from the New Zealand team - very professional. I want to congratulate them for this victory and I wish them all the best in 2019 in France."
Fiji keeper Adi Tuwai was awarded the Golden Gloves. Photo: OFC via Phototek
Papua New Guinea finished in third place after thrashing hosts New Caledonia 7-1 in the bronze playoff.
Striker Meagen Gunemba starred with four goals to double her tournament tally to eight and share golden boot honours with New Zealand's Sarah Gregorius.
Coach Peter Gunemba, who happens to also be Meagen's father, was pleased his side were able to take something home from a tournament which proved more gruelling than usual.
"I'm proud of the girls. I told them we don't have to go home empty handed, we win third place and that's it," he said.
"I expected this performance should be in the semi-final but it didn't happen so I was pleased to see them play this way today as that's what I expect from them.
"The girls really wanted to play but because of the fitness we couldn't stand a chance against Fiji. I think we will need to prepare a bit earlier for the Pacific Games."
The PNG Lakatois finished third at the OFC Nations Cup. Photo: OFC via Phototek
New Caledonia's Kamali Fitialeata admitted it was a tough way for the hosts to end the tournament, which had started on a high with a win against Tahiti.
"The match was tough, I thought the girls were ready for today but then I get the impression they were tired, worn out," he said.
"It was a tough tournament but it was the same for all the teams, we all played the same number of games, made the same trips so for us, I'm not sure what exactly it was but perhaps there's an unconscious block when it comes to Papua New Guinea."
Papua New Guinea's Meagen Gunemba scored eight goals to finish as the tournament's joint Golden Boot. Photo: OFC via Phototek
