Courtesy: Fiji Times


Tahiti notches win

by Anare Ravula

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

THE Tahiti Nui Futsal side last night showed they are no easy-beats at Futsal after defeating New Caledonia 3-2 in an exciting match at the Vodafone Arena.

The young and new players in the side proved what they are capable of displaying superb soccer skills to upset their tough opponents.

Coach Heitapu Hunter said after registering a loss to Fiji and a win over Tuvalu, they went into the game with a mission ù to win.

"We knew they have experience players who had already participated in the tournament," he said.

With the likes of defender Loic Caunes, midfield duo Anderson Paulin and Louis Waishitine they were a delight to watch displaying their skills and experience.

Hunter now has other ideas for his side to create an upset.

He says facing New Zealand will be a decider for them. "It'll be a do-or-die match for us whether we're still in or lose out."

With New Caledonia leading 2-0 at the breather he told his side it was now or never.

"We've need to win this game."

Eleven seconds after the restart the Tahitians displayed uncanny football skills enabling Tahiarii Tutave to score from the right flank to trail 2-1.

Utilising their skill well, wave after wave of Tahiti attacks bombarded the New Caledonia goal mouth.

Speedster Mana Faarahia then displayed his skills sending the ball to the back of net for Tahiti to equalise 2-2.

This resulted with both teams creating attacks as they searched for the winner.

The fitter Tahiti team produced the winner when captain Teva Durot, who had led by example, scored.

Vanuatu played New Zealand in its second match while Fiji met Tuvalu when this edition went to the press last night.

In today's first encounter Tahiti will meet New Zealand, then New Caledonia against Fiji and tournament favourites Vanuatu to face Solomon in the last match of the evening.

Tahiti: Atanui Ttihia, Jeannot Ganahoa, Tahiarii Tutave, Loic Oldham, Judicael Mai, Herenui Peretti, Heifara Mau, Meiarii Si, Teivari Kaiha, Mana Faarahia, Teva Durot (c), Rene Devendeville.

New Caledonia: Yorik Xenihate, Ronan Euzen, Loic Caunes, Anderson Paulin, Ivann Pourouoro, Gabriel Areui, Louis Waishitine, Yoann Waikedre, Cedrick Humuni, Romain Guitton, Mainon Kaouwi, Caryl Thepinier.


Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com