Qualification history
Tonga’s FIFA World Cup™ qualifying history, like a number of Oceania neighbours, dates back just four campaigns to 1996. Four years ago the Polynesians fell to defeats against Solomon Islands, Samoa and Vanuatu before claiming their sixth FIFA World Cup victory with a 4-0 scoreline against American Samoa.

The current crop
The Tongans have been dormant in the international arena since the last qualifiers in 2007, save for two home outings against Cook Islands in 2009, when they recorded a draw and a loss. At just 25-years-old Chris Williams can lay claim to being one of the globe’s youngest coaches in the race for Brazil 2014, having taken the reins earlier this year following a stint with the Tonga U-17 team. The squad have worked together in a camp environment for considerable periods throughout 2011, with the current crop likely to be the fittest and most cohesive in the nation’s short FIFA World Cup history.

The key players
The attack will be led by Kolofo’ou FC striker Malakai Savieti, who scored the team’s goal against Vanuatu in their 4-1 defeat during the campaign for South Africa 2010.

Coach: Chris Williams
Best performance in a FIFA competition: None
Former stars: Lafaele Moala, Lokoua Taufahema