It was the last country in the world not to have a national team yet in the most popular game on the planet. The “Marshall Islands Soccer Federation”, created on December 31, 2020, will finally be able to align an XI International this week, with two friendly parts agenda at August 14 and 16, respectively against the Virgin Islands of the United States and the Turks and Caican Islands. These first meetings against training recognized by FIFA will take place during the Outrigger Challenge Cup, a new competition organized by the Marshall islands themselves in Springdale, in Arkansas (USA).
To be able to align a selection, the Marshallais have taken players directly from the country inhabited by some 40,000 people, but have also recruited (and always seek …) elements of their diaspora. This is why Pacific islanders play in the United States, where a large community from there is installed. “We have players who come from all regions of the world, and not bad who live in the United States and who are experienced. We have combined them with players from the Marshall Islands, ”smiles Lloyd Owers, coach and technical director of the country for three years now.
“It is surreal to have finally got there. I never thought I can do it, explains this British thirties, who has experienced experiences in Sweden, the USA and Canada before. We are all a little nervous, but also excited at the same time! ” The important thing, for the moment, is to participate. Ultimately, the Marshallais target recognition from FIFA – to become the 212nd affiliated country – and then an entry into Oceanian qualifications for a future World Cup.