Tuvalu national football team
The Tuvalu national football team is the international football team of Tuvalu. Football in Tuvalu is played at the club and international level. The Tuvalu national football team draws from players in the Tuvalu A-Division and trains at the Tuvalu Sports Ground on Funafuti.[1] The national team competes in the Pacific Games. The national team is controlled by the Tuvalu National Football Association (TNFA), which is an associate member of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) but not a member of FIFA.[2]
Association | TNFA | ||
---|---|---|---|
Confederation | OFC (Oceania) | ||
Head coach | Lopati Taupili | ||
Most caps | Mau Penisula (14) | ||
Top scorer | Alopua Petoa (11) | ||
Home stadium | Tuvalu Sports Ground | ||
FIFA code | TUV | ||
| |||
First international | |||
(Suva, Fiji; 29 August 1979) | |||
Biggest win | |||
(London, England; 9 June 2018) | |||
Biggest defeat | |||
(Suva, Fiji; 29 August 1979) | |||
ConIFA World Football Cup | |||
Appearances | 1 (first in 2018) | ||
Best result | 15th, 2018 |
Membership
Tuvalu is a member of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), but not of FIFA. In September 2008, Tuvaluan Prime Minister Apisai Ielemia and the President of the Tuvalu Football Association, Tapugao Falefou, visited the headquarters of FIFA in Zurich, hoping to gain full membership in the organisation.[2] In December 2013, OFC General Secretariat Tai Nicholas named Tuvalu's lack of a regulation pitch as the main factor preventing the country from being accepted into FIFA.[3][4] The Tuvalu Football Association continues to seek membership of FIFA with the Dutch Support Tuvalu Foundation assisting Tuvalu with the FIFA application and with the development of football in Tuvalu.[5] Since November 2016, Tuvalu has been a member of the Confederation of Independent Football Associations (CONIFA).[6]
History
1979 South Pacific Games
The Tuvaluan team, captained by Karl Tili,[Note 1] played three international matches in the 1979 South Pacific Games, held in Fiji, with Kokea Malu as the coach. There, the team recorded both a large win, 5–3 against Tonga,[8] and its worst defeat, losing 18–0 to Tahiti in the first game of the competition.[9] Tuvalu recovered to beat Tonga in the second game, however in the third game Tuvalu was defeated by New Caledonia 10–2.[9] The next game was against Kiribati, which was drawn 3–3;[9] however Tuvalu won the penalty shootout 4–2.[9] In the final game of the first round Tuvalu was defeated by Guam 7–2.[9]
2003 South Pacific Games
In the match in the lead-up to the 2003 South Pacific Games, Tuvalu played a friendly game against Fiji and were defeated 9–0.[10]
Tuvalu also participated in four games at the 2003 South Pacific Games again held in Fiji, with Tim Jerks as the coach. After defeating Kiribati 3–2 in their opening game,[8][11] Tuvalu again played Fiji, in this game Fiji won 4–0.[11] In the game against Vanuatu, Tuvalu was defeated 1–0.[11] In the final game of the tournament against Solomon Islands, Tuvalu was defeated 4–0.[11] Tuvalu finished fourth out of five in Pool A.[12]
2007 World Cup and OFC Nations Cup qualifications
In 2007, with Toakai Puapua as the coach, and Petio Semaia as the captain,[Note 2] Tuvalu became the first non FIFA member to participate in an official World Cup qualifying match.[14] The situation arose when the regional governing body used the football competition at the 2007 South Pacific Games, as the first stage of the qualification tournament for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and qualification tournament for the 2008 OFC Nations Cup. Fiji defeated Tuvalu 16–0.[15][16] However Tuvalu fought hard against New Caledonia (who were joint leaders of the competition) and only lost 1–0.[15][17] Tuvalu then drew 1–1 with Tahiti,[8] with a late equaliser from Viliamu Sekifu,[13][18][19] However the Cook Islands defeated Tuvalu 4–1.[15] The Cook Islands team was coached by Tim Jerks who had previously coached Tuvalu.[20]
2011 Pacific Games
In 2011 the Tuvalu National Football Association signed Dutch coach Foppe de Haan as the coach on a part-time and volunteer basis.[21]
De Haan previously coached SC Heerenveen, Ajax Cape Town and the Dutch national U-21 team. In the match in the lead-up to the 2011 Pacific Games De Haan started his tenure with a 3–0 victory over Samoa,[22][23] with Tuvalu captained by Mau Penisula. Alopua Petoa scored all three goals.[24]
De Haan's second match in charge saw a record 4–0 victory recorded over American Samoa in the first match of their 2011 Pacific Games campaign,[25][26][27] with a hat-trick from 19-year-old Alopua Petoa.[24] The third match was not as successful, with the side going down 5–1 to Vanuatu.[25][28] After losing 8–0 to New Caledonia,[25][29] and 6–1 to Solomon Islands,[25][30] the Tuvaluan team drew the game with Guam 1–1.[25][31] The Tuvaluan team finished equal with Guam in Pool A with four points.
De Haan left his post after the tournament to rejoin Heerenveen's youth programme.[32]
Dutch Support Tuvalu Foundation
The Tuvalu national football team received support from the Dutch Support Tuvalu Foundation, which is a foundation in the Netherlands.[33]
On 18 August 2013 the Tuvalu national football team went on a three-month tour of the Netherlands. During this tour they played at least 20 friendly matches against local amateur football clubs. Former NAC Breda and De Graafschap coach Leen Looijen was the team's mentor during training in the Netherlands,[1] with the tour organised by the Dutch Support Tuvalu Foundation.[5]
The Tuvalu team and the activities of the Dutch Support Tuvalu Foundation are the focus of Mission Tuvalu (Missie Tuvalu) (2013) a feature documentary directed by Jeroen van den Kroonenberg.
Tuvaluan footballers in New Zealand
Many Tuvaluan footballers have played for clubs in New Zealand. Vaisua Liva and Alopua Petoa joined Waitakere City FC in 2012.[34] Meneua Fakasega and Jerome Funafuti also played for Waitakere City FC. Maalosi Alefaio has played for Te Atatu AFC. Strikers Blake Lisk and Anthony Pita have played for Wellington Phoenix.
CONIFA Membership
Since November 2016 Tuvalu has been a member of the Confederation of Independent Football Associations (CONIFA).[35] On 7 March 2018 it was announced the Tuvalu would replace other Oceania nation Kiribati in the 2018 ConIFA World Football Cup in London.[36] On 9 June 2018, Tuvalu recorded their biggest ever victory in a 6–1 win over the Chagos Islands.[37]
Complete International Results
Tuvalu's score is shown first in each case.
- Notes
- ^ A: Tuvalu won 4–2 on penalties.
- ^ B: The men's football tournament at the 2007 South Pacific Games doubled as qualifiers for the 2008 OFC Nations Cup and the first round of qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. However, as Tuvalu were not members of FIFA they were ineligible to qualify for the World Cup.
Record by opponent
Up to matches played on 18 July 2019.
Opponent | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | %W |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 1 | +4 | 50.00 | |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | +5 | 100.00 | |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | −3 | 0.00 | |
5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 47 | −46 | 0.00 | |
2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 8 | −5 | 0.00 | |
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 5 | +1 | 50.00 | |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | −2 | 0.00 | |
5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 32 | −30 | 20.00 | |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8 | −8 | 0.00 | |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 | 100.00 | |
4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 29 | −28 | 0.00 | |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | −4 | 0.00 | |
3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 26 | −25 | 0.00 | |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | −1 | 0.00 | |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 6 | +3 | 100.00 | |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | −5 | 0.00 | |
3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 16 | −15 | 0.00 | |
Total | 36 | 7 | 4 | 25 | 43 | 199 | −156 | 19.44 |
Competitive Record
Pacific Games
Pacific Games Record | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D * | L | GF | GA |
Quarter-Finals | 8th | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 16 | 43 | |
Did Not Enter | ||||||||
Group Stage | 8th | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 11 | |
Group Stage | 9th | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 22 | |
Group Stage | 7th | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 20 | |
Did Not Enter | ||||||||
Group Stage | 5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 42 | ||
Total | 5/16 | 0 Titles | 23 | 4 | 3 | 16 | 30 | 128 |
Players
Current squad
The following players were called up for the 2019 Pacific Games on 8–20 July 2019.
Caps and goals updated as of 18 July 2019 after the game against New Caledonia.
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | GK | Katepu Iosua | 11 May 1988 | 13 | 0 | |
23 | GK | Teoliga Fakailoga | 12 September 1997 | 1 | 0 | |
3 | DF | Sakaio Faimalaga | 14 August 1997 | 1 | 0 | |
4 | DF | Meauke Tuilagi | 5 September 1997 | 7 | 0 | |
5 | DF | Kalamelu Seloto | 24 February 1992 | 6 | 0 | |
12 | DF | Paolo Taitai | 2 September 1996 | 7 | 0 | |
13 | DF | Nokisi Kaitu | 2 May 2000 | 3 | 0 | |
16 | DF | Maalosi Alefaio | 19 January 1993 | 5 | 0 | |
17 | DF | Silimai Siaosi | 14 October 1994 | 6 | 0 | |
2 | MF | Paulo Lotonu | 20 March 1996 | 10 | 1 | |
6 | MF | Tinoga Temate | 18 May 1995 | 3 | 0 | |
7 | MF | Taufaiva Ionatana | 5 February 1993 | 9 | 1 | |
10 | MF | Afelee Valoa (captain) | 5 July 1990 | 9 | 0 | |
14 | MF | Sepetaio Nokisi | 11 September 1993 | 5 | 0 | |
18 | MF | Nika Tima | 7 September 1997 | 0 | 0 | |
19 | MF | Waintau Taaroa | 12 October 1993 | 2 | 0 | |
21 | MF | Hosea Sente | 2 April 2000 | 2 | 0 | |
22 | MF | Fata Filemoni | 2 July 1995 | 3 | 0 | |
8 | FW | Sosene Vailine | 7 March 1993 | 8 | 1 | |
9 | FW | Nelesone Musika | 7 May 1997 | 4 | 0 | |
11 | FW | Alopua Petoa | 24 January 1990 | 13 | 11 | |
15 | FW | Sueni Founuku | 15 June 1994 | 4 | 0 | |
20 | FW | Afelau Kalena | 23 October 1991 | 2 | 0 |
Most capped players
Players with an equal number of caps are ranked in chronological order of reaching the milestone.
# | Name | Career | Caps | Goals |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mau Penisula | 2003– | 14 | 0 |
2 | Alopua Petoa | 2011– | 13 | 9 |
Jelly Selau | 2007– | 8 | 0 | |
4 | James Lepaio | 2011– | 9 | 1 |
5 | Joshua Tui Tapasei | 2003– | 8 | 0 |
Katepu Iosua Sieni | 2011– | 8 | 0 | |
7 | Paenui Fagota | 2003–2007 | 7 | 1 |
8 | Petio Semaia | 2003–2007 | 6 | 1 |
Lalesi Vaia | 2003–2007 | 6 | 0 | |
Peniuna Kaitu | 2003–2007 | 6 | 0 | |
Etimoni Timuani | 2011– | 6 | 0 | |
Ali Takataka | 2011– | 6 | 0 | |
Vaisua Liva | 2011– | 6 | 0 | |
14 | Alamoana Tofuola | 2011– | 5 | 0 |
George Panapa | 2011– | 5 | 0 | |
Lutelu Tiute | 2011– | 5 | 1 | |
Paolo Taitai | 2017– | 5 | 0 | |
Taufaiva Ionatana | 2017– | 5 | 1 | |
Afelee Valoa | 2017– | 5 | 0 | |
Paulo Lotonu | 2017– | 5 | 1 |
Most goals scored
Goalscorers with an equal number of goals are ranked in chronological order of reaching the milestone (starting from, the bottom of the list).
# | Name | Career | Goals | Caps |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Alopua Petoa[24] | 2011– | 9 | 13 |
2 | Lutelu Tiute[27] | 2011– | 1 | 5 |
Togavai Stanley[31] | 2011– | 1 | 4 | |
James Lepaio[30] | 2011– | 1 | 9 | |
Uota Ale[28] | 2011– | 1 | 2 | |
Vilamu Sekifu[13] | 2007 | 1 | 3 | |
Petio Semaia | 2003–2007 | 1 | 6 | |
Paenui Fagota | 2003–2007 | 1 | 7 | |
Kivoli Manoa | 2003 | 1 | 4 | |
Matti Uaelesi | 2017– | 1 | 4 | |
Paulo Lotonu | 2017– | 1 | 5 | |
Taufaiva Ionatana | 2017– | 1 | 5 | |
- Bold denotes players still playing international football.
Player of the year
In 2014 for the first time in history a Tuvaluan Player of the year was chosen. Sepetaio Willie was the first player who received this honor.[54][55]
Managers
Manager | Tuvalu career | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Win % |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1979 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 40.0 | |
2003 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 20.0 | |
2006–2010 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0.0 | |
2011 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 33.3 | |
2013 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | |
2016–2018 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 40.0 | |
2018– | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 16.7 |
See also
- Tuvalu at the Pacific Games
- Tuvalu national under-20 football team
- Tuvalu national under-17 football team
Notes
- Footnotes
- Tuvalu Squad 1979: Karl TILI [captain] (midfielder); Saipolua TANU (goalkeeper); Alefaio SEMESE (utility man); Salu MAREKO (sweeper); Teaki FALEFAEA (right defender); Panapa ISAIA (right defender); Filemoni PANISI (left defender); Seti MAINA [Seti SAFEGA] (defender); Nasona FAKALUPE (central midfielder); Kausea NATANO (left winger); Penipelite TALAFOU (centre forward); Simeona IOSIA (centre forward); Siliva TIMO (right winger); Lotoala Metia TEALOFI (left winger); Saifoloi Metia TEALOFI (centre forward); Coach: Kokea MALU.[7]
- Tuvalu Squad 2007: 8. Petio SEMAIA (captain); 19. Jay TIMO (goalkeeper); 4. Mau PENISULA; 5. Lolesi VAIA; 6. Paitela KELEMENE; 7. Papua ULISESE; 9. Mati FUSI; 11. Paeniu FAGOTA; 13. Fulisagafou HAUMA; 15. Jelly SELAU; 16. Imo FIAMALUA; 1. Moresi VALOAGA; 2. Polu TANEI; 3. Onosemu NEEMIA; 5. Lolesi VAIA; 10. Semese ALEFAIO; 14. Peniuna KAITU; 17. Hetoa KAIO; 18. Tapeni LETUETI; 20. Viliamu SEKIFU; 22. Pelesia TEISINI; Coach: Pokai PUAPUA.[13]
- Citations
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- "Solomon Islands have beaten Tuvalu in their men's Group A match at Rivière Salée in Nouméa at the XIV Pacific Games". Oceania Football Confederation. 3 September 2011. Retrieved 26 May 2015.
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External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Tuvalu national football team. |
- Tuvalu Football
- Tuvalu football project – Dutch Support Tuvalu Foundation (in Dutch, English, French and Spanish)