THE FEDERATED STATE of Micronesia suffered a 38-0 loss to Fiji at the Pacific Games earlier today.
The result is a record scoreline in the Pacific Games according to organisers, and comes just two days after going down 30-0 to Tahiti.
It has been a tough maiden outing at an Oceania Football Confederation tournament for the island nation, with their Group A hopes already over – though the side, consisting of under-23 players, still have a match against Vanuatu to come on Tuesday.
Fiji’s Atonio Tuivuna cashed in with 10 goals, at a tournament that provides the possibility of qualification for the Rio 2016 Olympics – something not on offer to their opponents, who are not affiliated to the International Olympic Committee.
One consolation for Micronesia was an improved second-half display.
Having trailed 21-0 at the break – conceding the opener in the first minute – they limited Fiji to 17 further goals after the interval.
Although the game set a new highest score at the competition, it will not be recognised as a record by FIFA as Micronesia are not ranked by the governing body.
Australia hold the honour for the biggest victory in a FIFA-recognised international football match, having beaten American Samoa 31-0 in a qualifier for the 2002 World Cup.
