After beating Thailand the team, led by player-coach Louis Dominique, narrowly lost in extra time to their hosts Australia 7-6.
“This is a great achievement for our local boys,” Dominique says.
“To win bronze for the first time is a great result and I know that Australia, Thailand and the organisers know that Vanuatu has a strong team as we’ve already been invited back to take part in the competition next year.”
Dominique says it the tournament was great timing for his team as their beach soccer development programme gets underway.
“To win a competition in Oceania, we must also take part in other competitions to help prepare our national teams for international competition.
“As development officer of Vanuatu Beach Soccer, I have learned a lot of lessons this week in Australia,” he says.
“I have only seven players on this trip and they have played their hearts out for their country and it’s not easy.”
For more on Vanuatu football go to www.vanuafoot.vu

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