Federated States of Micronesia national under-23 football team
Nickname(s) | The Four Stars | ||
---|---|---|---|
Association | Federated States of Micronesia Football Association | ||
Head coach | Stan Foster | ||
Captain | Mikson Kuka | ||
Top scorer | None | ||
| |||
First international | |||
Micronesia 0–30 2015 ) |
The Federated States of Micronesia national under-23 football team, nicknamed the Four Stars, is the national U-23 football team representing the Federated States of Micronesia and is controlled by the Federated States of Micronesia Football Association. The team is managed by Australian coach Stan Foster, with the assistant manager Curtis Graham.
Although the
Their performance was the worst recorded in international football as they lost all three games, conceding 114 goals (an average of 38 goals each game) in the process without scoring themselves. On two occasions, against Fiji and Vanuatu, they conceded a record number of goals in international competition. However, although these matches count as official records for the Pacific Games, they are not recognized by FIFA as official world records, as the games did not involve senior teams. Despite the unofficial nature of their record defeats, numerous international media outlets have branded them the worst football team on the planet.
History
Background
The four states of the
Foundation
Previously the
Under the auspices of manager Stan Foster[7] and assistant manager Curtis Graham,[8] The Federated States of Micronesia under-23 team, nicknamed the Four Stars,[9] began training in the second half of 2014 in unusual circumstances.[10] Due to the scattered nature of the islands, it was impossible for the team to get together initially to train as a full squad and instead individuals had to train in small groups on their islands of origin.[10] Although this method of selection meant the team was not able to get together as a single unit until their pre-tournament camp in Guam, it was a method that met with the approval of the football association President Jim Wuthel as being one that allowed the selection of a squad that was truly representative of the islands despite an almost complete lack of money or sponsorship.[10]
The two-week extended pre-tournament camp in
2015 Pacific Games
The Federated States of Micronesia national under-23 football team had never taken part in a tournament until 2015 when they entered the
The
Micronesia 0–30 Tahiti
Their debut at the
Micronesia | 0–30 | Tahiti |
---|---|---|
Report | Maihi 2', 34', 46', 52', 86' Hauata 9', 48', 90+6' Tehuritaua 12', 20', 40', 45+2' Tehina 24', 38', 49', 54' Petigas 34' Tihoni 50', 51', 90+1' Tissot 60', 64', 66', 75', 82', 85' Taupotini 63' Tauira 90', 90+2', 90+4' |
Micronesia 0–38 Fiji
Their next match produced an even more one-sided result, indeed to that point the most one-sided result in international football history, as they lost
The result of the match was not a surprise to the manager of the team, Stan Foster, who stated that the team were at the tournament for development purposes, to try as hard as they could and to take any information they could glean from their experiences home with them to aid their progression.[27] Fiji manager, Juan Carlos Buzzetti was apologetic after the match, acknowledging the inexperience and youth of the opposition,[27] and saying that they had little option but to finish with such a scoreline after Tahiti had set the benchmark in the previous match,[26] but was also critical of his own players for not always sticking to their game plan to play one-touch football.[27]
The reasons for the size of the defeat have been put down to the general lack of experience within the diminished squad as a whole, with most of the players only getting involved in the game at most eighteen months prior to the tournament starting.[22] Indeed, most of the players came from villages where they did not play the game at all and Gadad, who replaced Pengelbew in goal at half time, had only played as a goalkeeper for the first time three weeks prior.[22]
Micronesia | 0–38 | Fiji |
---|---|---|
report | Wasasala 1', 6', 27', 29', 30', 36', 53', 56', 66' Tuivuna 4', 9', 28', 43', 45+1', 45+4', 70', 85', 90+3', 90+6' Verevou 8', 26', 40', 45+2', 45+3' Qasevakatini 10', 12', 24', 59', 67' Prasad 22', 63', 65', 76' Waranaivalu 47' Nawakula 79', 80', 88' Nakalevu 90+6' |
Vanuatu 46–0 Micronesia
Having suffered one record defeat to Fiji, the fledgling Micronesia team lost even more heavily in their final group game, defeated 46–0 by
Tony Kaltack opened the scoring in the second minute, but by the end of the game,
Final standings
The team finished the tournament with three heavy losses and no wins, scoring no goals whilst conceding 114 in total. They finished last in the group and did not progress to either knockout round (although they could not have progressed to the Olympic games qualifying rounds as they are not members of FIFA).
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Tahiti
|
3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 32 | 1 | +31 | 7 | Pacific Games knockout stage |
2 | Fiji | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 39 | 1 | +38 | 5 | Olympic Qualifying and Pacific Games knockout stage |
3 | Vanuatu | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 48 | 3 | +45 | 4 | Olympic Qualifying knockout stage |
4 | Micronesia | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 114 | −114 | 0 |
Aftermath
Following the game against Vanuatu, Foster expressed relief that the team would be allowed back at the next Pacific Games, fearing they would be refused entry due to the quality of their results, but they received assurances from the organizers that they were aware that the side that competed was a development side and that he hoped, despite receiving criticism before the start of the tournament for selecting a team of such young players, that a number of the players would be able to use the Pacific Games to enhance their development for the next eight years.[34] Though he noted that it would be difficult for the nation to improve the standard of their football until they were recognized by FIFA,[34] he said that he anticipated a FIFA delegation would be visiting the islands in the following week to carry out an inspection and with a view to affiliating them with the AFC.[34] This would then entitle them to funding and technical assistance that would enable the nation to improve the standard of football.[34] National media reported that membership would allow the nation to build new stadium and renovate existing facilities, bring professional coaches to the islands and purchase much-needed equipment.[8]
To put into context the series of defeats his team had suffered, Foster said that for many of his players this was the first time that they had played a game on a full-size 11-a-side pitch.[35] He also said that in general the players were simply overawed with the occasion, noting that many of them had never even left their villages, let alone their respective islands and that during the pre-tournament training camp in Guam a number of the players gained their first experience of an escalator or elevator.[35] Following these defeats, several members of the squad said to the manager that they wanted to train as goalkeepers.[36] Despite conceding a record number of goals, and with media outlets labelling them the worst team in the world,[2] many of the outfield players were heartened by the cheers their goalkeeper received every time he made a save.[36] The major stumbling block facing Micronesia is, if they do not gain FIFA affiliation, then their next scheduled international match will not be for another four years, when they will travel to Samoa for the 2019 Pacific Games.[36] Micronesia subsequently did not receive FIFA affiliation, nor did a football team from the nation contest the 2019 Pacific Games.
Despite the heavy defeats suffered by the team, national media was upbeat about the overall performances, remarking that despite the results, none of the athletes ever gave up, that they won the respect of the opposition in all three games they played and that the team as a whole could be very proud of their efforts.[8] It was noted that if, as a result of competing the nation could join FIFA that the benefits of membership would outweigh the losses in the tournament.[8] International media however was less complimentary, with numerous outlets focussing solely on the results and labelling the side the worst football team on earth.[37][38] Despite this, the players received a warm reception upon their return home. On Yap people were pleased simply because the players had had the chance to travel abroad and experience international competition, with such opportunities normally being limited to Guam if at all.[39] Indeed, as a result of their experiences, one player was looking to join a football club in Guam, with several others considering similar options.[39]
FIFA affiliation
The Oceania Football Confederation had dissuaded Micronesia from applying to their association, saying that they would have better developmental opportunities within the AFC,[12] although with FIFA having more Pacific members than the United Nations, affiliation with FIFA is also not assured; they have cancelled previous visits and rejected membership of other nations in the past due to the level of hotel facilities on offer.[12] A FIFA delegate visited the islands following the tournament to review the condition of facilities in the country and the level of football development, with a decision on potential FIFA affiliation due before the end of 2015.[40] Foster remarked that the initial report provided by the delegate was positive.[39]
Stadium
The team has yet to play any home fixtures. There are only two full-sized football pitches in the country,[2] both of which are on Yap, the multi-use Yap Sports Complex and the dedicated football pitch at the Yap State Soccer field.[3]
Squad
The following players were called up to the squad for the
Number | Position | Name | Age | Club |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | GK | Walter Pengelbew | 17 | Nimgil Youth Organization (Yap) |
2 | Kacy Alton Olmos | 20 | ||
3 | MF | Mikson Kuka (captain) | 23 | |
4 | Jacob Nam | 22 | Weloy Strikers (Weloy, Yap) | |
5 | Ioane Kariti | 21 | College of Micronesia-FSM FC (Palikir, Pohnpei) | |
7 | Javin Kognang | 20 | Nimgil Youth Organization (Yap) | |
8 | Franson Simon | 21 | College of Micronesia-FSM FC (Palikir, Pohnpei) | |
9 | Mark Jones | 19 | College of Micronesia-FSM FC (Palikir, Pohnpei) | |
10 | MF | Roger Nakasone | 22 | Pitbulls |
11 | Aaran Bayow | 16 | Nimgil Youth Organization (Yap) | |
12 | Scott Rudolph | 22 | ||
13 | MacArthur James | 23 | Island Pitbulls (Pohnpei) | |
14 | Paulis Jeikek | 21 | ||
15 | Jonathan Garayog | 21 | Nimgil Youth Organization (Yap) | |
16 | Devon Figirmow | 29 | G&B Club Rull (Rull, Yap) | |
17 | Benjamin Gilmoon | 18 | Nimgil Youth Organization (Yap) | |
18 | MF | Dominic Gadad | 20 | Nimgil Youth Organization (Yap) |
20 | Michael Reyes | 26 | College of Micronesia-FSM FC (Palikir, Pohnpei) |
Note: Squad ages as at time of Pacific Games 2015. Source:[42]
Managers
- Stan Foster 2014–[43][44]
References
- ^ "46-0: Micronesia football team ships 114 goals in three games". The Week. Retrieved 2023-08-04.
- ^ NZME. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
- ^ a b "Stadiums in Micronesia". worldstadiums.com. World Stadiums. Archived from the original on 6 September 2015. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
- ^ Zlotkowski, Andre (20 June 2007). "South Pacific Games 2003 (Fiji)". RSSSF. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
- ^ Cruickshank, Mark (3 January 2004). "Micronesia – International matches". RSSSF. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
- ^ a b Santos, Carlos (23 October 2014). "Micronesia Games 2014". RSSSF. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
- ^ a b c "Football to get XV Pacific Games started". oceaniafootball.com. 2 July 2015. Archived from the original on 4 July 2015. Retrieved 3 July 2015.
- ^ a b c d e Tobin, Jim (28 July 2015). "FSM football team participates in Pacific Games". kpress.info. Kaselelhie Press. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
- ISBN 978-0313344978. Retrieved 13 August 2015.
- ^ a b c d e "FSM National Soccer Team to participate in Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea". kpress.info. Kaselelhlie Press. 25 June 2015. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
- ^ a b Tobin, Jim (5 July 2015). "FSM athletes competing in 2015 Pacific Games". kpress.info. Kaselelhlie Press. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
- ^ a b c Kerr, Jack (13 July 2015). "Micronesia appear on Fifa's radar after massive Pacific Games defeats". guardian.co.uk. Guardian Media Group. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
- ^ "The FIFA family continues to grow". fifa.com. FIFA. 1 April 2001. Archived from the original on July 12, 2015. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
- ^ Cowling, James (1 July 2015). "Soccer at Port Moresby 2015". portmoresby2015.com. 2015 Pacific Games Limited. Archived from the original on 9 July 2015. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
- ^ "OFC Executive Committee decisions". Oceania Football Confederation. April 23, 2014. Archived from the original on September 13, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2015.
- ^ "OFC Executive Committee outcomes". Oceania Football Confederation. October 20, 2014. Archived from the original on 2015-07-05.
- ^ "OFC Insider Issue 6". Oceania Football Confederation. March 11, 2015. p. 8.
- ^ "Football to get XV Pacific Games started". oceaniafootball.com. StayinFront Inc. 2 July 2015. Archived from the original on 6 July 2015. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
- ^ a b c Ningis, Geraldine; Sirias, Jacklyn (3 July 2015). "Tahiti make short work of Micronesia with historic 30–0 win". portmoresby2015.com. 2015 Pacific Games Limited. Archived from the original on 9 July 2015. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
- ^ a b "Opening day a mixed bag of results". www.oceaniafootball.com. StayinFront Inc. 4 July 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
- ^ a b "FSM 0–38 FIJ". oceaniafootball.com. StayinFront Inc. 5 July 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
- ^ a b c d Darling, Kevin (5 July 2015). "Fiji hammer Micronesia 38–0 in 'record international win' at Pacific Games". guardian.co.uk. Guardian Media Group. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
- ^ "FIFA WC 2002 Prel. Comp. OFC – Australia – American Samoa". fifa.com. FIFA. 11 April 2001. Archived from the original on October 18, 2007. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
- BBC. 5 July 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
- ^ "Fiji make history with 38–0 win against Federated States of Micronesia". portmoresby2015.com. 2015 Pacific Games Limited. 5 July 2015. Archived from the original on 9 July 2015. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
- ^ a b c "Another record tumbles as Games continue". www.oceaniafootball.com. StayinFront Inc. 6 July 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
- ^ a b c "Micronesia manager upbeat despite 38–0 thrashing". www.portmoresby2015.com. 2015 Pacific Games Limited. 5 July 2015. Archived from the original on 9 July 2015. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
- ^ "Action aplenty lined up for Day 2". oceaniafootball.com. 5 Jul 2015. Archived from the original on 5 July 2015. Retrieved 5 July 2015.
- ^ "Match Day 3 Results – Men's". www.oceaniafootball.com. StayinFront Inc. 7 July 2015. Archived from the original on 21 January 2016. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
- ^ a b c Willie, Asa; Darling, Kevin (7 July 2015). "Soccer record smashed again as Vanuatu trounce Micronesia 46–0". www.portmoresby2015.com. 2015 Pacific Games Limited. Archived from the original on 9 July 2015. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
- ^ a b "Semi-finalists found". oceaniafootball.com. StayinFront Inc. 7 July 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
- ^ "Formalities for some, crunch-time for the rest". oceaniafootball.com. 7 July 2015. Archived from the original on 8 July 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
- ^ "Pacific Games Men Schedule & Results". www.oceaniafootball.com. StayinFront Inc. 8 July 2015. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
- ^ a b c d "Micronesia soccer team relieved at return invite after conceding 114 goals". www.portmoresby2015.com. 2015 Pacific Games Limited. 7 July 2015. Archived from the original on 8 July 2015. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
- ^ a b "Micronesia suffer another humiliating defeat after 46–0 loss to Vanuatu". guardian.co.uk. Guardian Media Group. 7 July 2015. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
- ^ BBC. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
- Mirror Group Newspapers. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
- Sky plc. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
- ^ a b c Ewart, Richard (10 August 2015). "Micronesia's soccer team determined to play on after record-breaking losses at Pacific Games". www.abc.net.au. ABC News. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
- ^ Ewart, Richard (5 August 2015). "Stan the man's grand plan for soccer in Micronesia still on course". abc.net.au. ABC News. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
- ^ "Pacific Games Men Team List". oceaniafootball.com. StayinFront inc. 2 Jul 2015. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 3 July 2015. Team listing at Oceania football
- ^ "Federated State of Micronesia Male Soccer Team". pg2015.gems.pro. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
- ^ "Battered Micronesia soccer team coach Stan Foster undeterred by team's crushing defeats". abc.net.au.
- ^ "Micronesia appear on Fifa's radar after massive Pacific Games defeats". theguardian.com.