Members of the Solomon Islands Under 17 boys’ soccer crew cried “tears of pleasure” after discovering their World Cup dream had come alive.
An appeal by the Solomon Islands Football Federation against sanctions for fielding an over-age participant in qualifying was upheld by Oceania Football Ultimate Week, paving the way for the crew to attend the Under-17 World Cup in Brazil in September.
Headteacher Stanley Waita says the entire crew was excited when they discovered the coolest news before their final shape at the UEFA International improvement event in Minsk.
“It changed into early the morning in Belarus when we heard that information, and the lads had been all crazy. They went crazy inside the morning and did not realize what to say because of our idea that we had no longer been going to the World Cup. Still, the feelings of all the boys have been that they had been emotionally expressing their experiences,” Stanley Waita said.
Some had been in tears of pleasure so that you can feel how those players think – they were excited and full (of) emotion.”
Solomon Islands finished runners-up at the UEFA event, coming from behind to beat Moldova to establish the match and dropping to Belarus and Kazakstan on consequences after each match had completed all-square after 90 minutes.
Stanley Waita says his gamers held their own against many pleasant young European players.
“I no longer assumed them to perform those ways; however, they display some person, they show several energy,” Stanley Waita stated.
“And going to Europe to play inside the match, we do not know the extent or how the other countries in Europe play. We go there without understanding anything and carry it with our heart.”
However, Stanley Waita stated the players still have plenty to analyze and want to enhance their field after finishing their final match against Kazakhstan with only nine players on the pitch after Raphael Lea and Philip Ropa were sent off.
He stated the group was approached by folks who were inquisitive about signing some of the Solomon Islands players; however, they suggested they go through the appropriate channels through the countrywide federation.
