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November 15 2024, 19:27 · Alex Lawes

Tahiti vs Vanuatu Preview: Team News & Prediction

Tahiti vs Vanuatu Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Tahiti, back in 2012, are the only side to win the OFC Nations Cup outside of Australia and New Zealand as they now prepare to take on a stronger Oceanian side, Vanuatu, in this one.

Kick-off date/time: Monday 18th November, 2024: UK – 3:00am / Sunday 17th November, 2024: US ET – 10:00pm / US PT – 7:00pm

How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – Not televised

How to watch online: UK – FIFA+ / US – FIFA+

Tahiti Preview: Tough for Tahiti

Tahiti, as mentioned, would view themselves as one of the best challengers to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup intercontinental playoffs but they started poorly with a 3-0 loss to a strong New Zealand side last month.

In their most recent outing, the Tahitians put that right by hammering the preliminary round qualifiers, Samoa, in Hamilton the other day with a 3-0 victory via goals from Eddy Kaspard, Benoit Mathon and Teaonui Tehau. 

Vanuatu Preview: Vanuatu challengers

Vanuatu, coached by Juliano Schmeling, are currently ranked 157th but they fancy their chances of finishing as Oceanian qualifiers runners’ up behind likely winners New Zealand to earn themselves an intercontinental playoff spot.

‘The Men in Black and Gold’, as they are nicknamed, began the second round of qualification with a 4-1 hammering of preliminary round winners Samoa last month but they were then annihilated by eight goals to one the other day. 

Tahiti Team News: No need to change

Tahiti have a fully fit and available squad for this clash with Vanuatu so, after a victory, they will be able to name an unchanged eleven for this one. 

PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Teamotuaitau; Degrumelle, Paama, A. Tehau, Lossec; Gitton, R. Tehau, T. Tehau; Kaspard, Mathon, Shan

UNAVAILABLE: 

QUESTIONABLE: 

Vanuatu Team News: Recovering from a hammering

Vanuatu have no injury concerns but they could well make changes to recover from their hammering at the hands of New Zealand in Hamilton the other day. 

PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Sablan; Vatu, Boulet, Kaltack, Jeffrey; Alick, Clark, Tasip; Spokeyjack, Tangis, Cooper

UNAVAILABLE: 

QUESTIONABLE: 

Key Stats

  • None of the previous 11 international matches between these two teams finished level (Tahiti wins = 7, Vanuatu wins = 4).
  • Tahiti have won the previous three World Cup qualifying matches between these two teams.
  • Tahiti are aiming to win successive World Cup qualifying matches for the first time since 2012.
  • None of Vanuatu’s previous 39 World Cup qualifying matches finished without a goal being scored.
  • Vanuatu have scored in the first half in each of their last three World Cup qualifying matches.

Tahiti vs Vanuatu Prediction

Tahiti and Vanuatu sit level on points having both dispatched of Samoa by three goals to nil but their performance and result against New Zealand with Vanuatu letting in eight in New Zealand the other day means Tahiti have the advantage knowing that a draw would be enough to see them finish in the top two. It appears evenly matched but that knowledge should give the Tahitians a slight tactical edge knowing exactly what they need at a minimum so a double chance bet in their favour would appear good value. 

Tahiti vs Vanuatu Tip: Double chance – Tahiti to win or draw