FIJI'S chances of a first-ever qualification to a FIFA world football championship rests in their own hands.
A good tactical approach, a positive mind-set, a will to win and add to that a game plan, strategy and formation based on the strength and weakness of the opposition should put the Fiji under-20 side in good stead at the Oceania U20 Play-offs.
The Ravinesh Kumar-coached side takes on Vanuatu at 2pm tomorrow in the opening match at Churchill Park followed by the Papua New Guinea-New Zealand clash at 4pm.
"We have mapped out a plan to counter the opposition and are hopeful of a good outing," team director Tarunesh Reddy said.
"I can't reveal much now but certainly we will take one team at a time and set our game plan and formation accordingly."
Several district reps, such as Ba's Jone Salauneune and Narendra Rao, Nadi duo Napolioni Qasevakatini, Rusiate Matirerega, Rewa's Setareki Hughes, Navua's Kolinio Sivoki, Nadroga's Tomasi Tuicakau and skipper Jale Dreloa, of Labasa, will spearhead Fiji's campaign.
Vanuatu will be without two key players Brian Kaltak and Nemani Rogara as they have opted to play for their club, Solomon Warriors FC.
The team includes several players from the 2011 U20 squad.
Fiji's next opposition is New Caledonia at 4pm on Saturday at Churchill Park.
The danger man for the New Caledonians will be forward Stephane Tien-Padom, who was training with the French national under-19 side. Besides the Kiwis, New Caledonia will be another team to watch.
New Zealand is next up for Fiji next Wednesday in Lautoka. The draw favours Fiji as the home side will have an extra two days rest while the Junior All Whites play on Monday.
New Zealand come into this tournament as favourites. They have players who have had stints in England and in the A League like Derby's Luke Adams, Wellington Phoenix duo Tyler Boyd and Luis Fenton with Perth Glory defender Storm Roux. Others with experience in Europe are Cameron Howieson (Burnley), Max Crocombe and trialist Bill Tuiloma.
Add to that players like Scott Basalaj, Tom Biss, Justin Gulley, Alec Solomons and Hamish Watson, who are all part of the A-League franchises' Football School of Excellence.
It will be New Zealand's championship to lose.
The others can give it their best shot in their quest to stand on the winning podium, especially Papua New Guinea, who will start as the underdogs.