By Vince Rugari
The coach of one of football’s tiniest nations was left in tears after his side was smashed by China, the most populous country in the world – but he had a powerful message for online haters who have made light of their heavy defeats.
The Northern Mariana Islands, a little-known US territory in the Pacific, are in Shepparton, Victoria this week to compete in qualifiers for the under-17s Asian Cup to be played next year.
Michiteru Mita, the Northern Mariana Islands coach, breaks down after his side’s game against China.Credit: Football Australia
After being walloped 23-0 by Australia in their first match, they faced China on Friday at John McEwen Reserve in possibly the biggest mismatch the game has seen. The Northern Mariana Islands, which aren’t recognised by FIFA and became a full member of the Asian Football Confederation less than two years ago, are home to just 57,000 people. China, long considered a sleeping giant of the sport, has the world’s biggest population of about 1.4 billion.
Another blowout was inevitable but the “Blue Ayuyu”, as they are known, put up one hell of a fight to keep China scoreless for 12 minutes, before eventually losing 11-0.
But there were high-fives and hugs between their exhausted players after full-time, and their Japanese head coach, Michiteru Mita, could not hold back his emotions.
He broke down in tears after revealing his goalkeeper, Vicente Jose Reyes, had cried when he was subbed out during their loss to Australia, and said his players had seen what critics on Facebook had to say about Northern Mariana Islands’ involvement in such a major tournament.
The Northern Mariania Islands were unsurprisingly overwhelmed by China, in one of the biggest population mismatches the sport has ever seen.Credit: Football Australia
“I know we are very small,” Mita said. “I saw all the Facebook comments, they said we shouldn’t be here. The boys all saw that. We know we’re very small and young.
“But we try to develop football, and we are using the football to develop the community. Young people, they need something to dream. To be a national team player is a wild dream for our island people, the dream of our players.
“Something needs to motivate them. That’s why this international tournament is very important to motivate and give the dream to our boys.
“Our boys showed their spirit. After the first game, the boys were disappointed, but they used that experience for the second game, so I’m very proud.”
Mita reportedly visited a pub in Shepparton earlier in the week, and was recognised by locals who shouted him several beers.
The Northern Mariana Islands face Cambodia on Sunday night in their final match of the qualifiers, and will be hopeful, at least, of scoring their first goal. If nothing else, the ultimate underdogs have won a new legion of fans simply by turning up and having a go.
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