Fiji were predictably outclassed by European giants Germany in their opening match at the Under 20 Football World Cup but a dogged second-half performance and an historic goal offered some semblance of a silver lining.
The final scoreline of 8-1 is the biggest of the tournament to date but it could have been much worse for Fiji, who trailed 6-0 at half-time.
German midfielder Hany Mukhtar enjoyed a hat-trick with two first half-goals and a penalty after the break, while Niklas Stark and Marc Stendera each netted twice.
But Iosefu Verevou's 48th minute header was wildly celebrated and head coach Frank Farina says the game and the goal - Fiji's first at a FIFA tournament - meant so much for the country.
Fiji's next match is against Honduras on Thursday.
Fiji's goal scorer Iosefo Verevou celebrates history. Photo: Photosport
