History beckons for Solomon Islands and Vanuatu at the Oceania Under 20 Football Championship.
The Melanesian rivals square off in today's second semi final, with a berth at the Under 20 World Cup in Korea up for grabs.
New Zealand and Fiji both attended last years' World Cup, courtesy of New Zealand hosting the tournament, but this is the first time two qualifying berths have been available to Oceania.
Vanuatu are hoping for more reasons to celebrate at the OFC Under 20 Championship. Photo: OFC via Phototek
Hosts Vanuatu won all three of their pool games and technical advisor Declan Edge said the prospect of World Cup qualification is a big opportunity for the players in front of their home supporters in Port Vila.
"Pressure is a privilege. It's a privilege to be in this position so we'll take that pressure. We're embracing the challenge. The team has won all its games so far which I don't think Vanuatu has done before so we're in a good position to do some good things," he said.
"That's one of the main reasons why we did make sure we didn't lose to New Caledonia (in our final group match) - it was to stay here in front of most of the families.
"It could be a big moment for them but (they important thing) is to make sure it doesn't pass them by. I've played in lots of games and sometimes you can't remember them, because you get all caught up in the moment, so (the key is) to stay present I think."
Vanuatu football fans find a vantage point in Port Vila. Photo: OFC via Phototek
Meanwhile Solomon Islands coach Pedro Mateo is trying to play down the World Cup talk.
"The boys did a great job in the group phase when nobody expected to go through," said Mateo, "and we jump now to a semi-final against the host country to decide which team will go through to the final," he said.
"I know everybody is talking about Korea but for me I want to play the final with these boys. I know that for the country it is an important day but we are trying to be relaxed and think about the game as an opportunity to play in the final."
Solomon Islands and New Zealand are both attempting to qualify for the FIFA Under 20 World Cup. Photo: OFC via Phototek
New Zealand and New Caledonia will square off in the first semi final in Santo.
The Young All Whites were held to a 0-0 draw by Solomon Islands in their final group match but head coach Darren Bazeley said the squad is looking forward, not back.
"It's been a great tour so far, we're exactly where we wanted to be. We topped the group and we're unscathed," he said.
"We know it's a big game, a lot of pressure, but that's why you play elite football - to play in games like this. We're expecting it to be tough, but we're ready, we'll be organised and I'm excited to see it."
New Caledonia scraped into the semis with a win, draw and a loss.
The Francophones have never beaten New Zealand at Under 20 level but coach Kamali Fitialeata said they will try their best.
"We're incredibly happy to be here in Santo for the semi-finals. We have a team here which is competitive, who likes playing with the ball and I've heard that the New Zealand side we're facing is a physical one," he said.
"I know their players will be very disciplined, with a very organised approach and we're going to try our best to earn our place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup for the first time."
As well as qualifying for next year's World Cup the two semi final winners will also advance to Saturday's OFC U20 Championship final in Port Vila.
