The event, live streamed on FIFA.com, saw a dash of typical Polynesian flavour mixed with the formalities of drawing the group line-ups for the September event which will be the first FIFA tournament to be held in a Pacific Island nation.
President of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) Vairani Davio welcomed representatives from each of the sides who will compete for the glory of a world champions title to the Tahiti ahead of the official draw.
“Congratulations on qualifying. It’s a long way home and now you know – to reach paradise, you must deserve it,” she said.
Assisting in the draw process were some special guests including FIFA Beach Soccer Senior Manager Jaime Yarza and FIFA Beach Soccer General Manager Joan Cusco, Miss Tahiti 2012 Hinarani De Longeaux and Tahitian football legend, and father of Tahiti beach soccer captain Naea Bennett, Errol Bennett.
The Tiki Toa have been drawn in a strong group with third-placed AFC qualifiers United Arab Emirates, European side Spain and CONCACAF champions USA.
For the first time there will be two Oceania sides appearing at the Beach Soccer World Cup finals due to Tahiti earning passage as hosts. The second OFC side, which is yet to be revealed, has been drawn in Group B where they will face CONMEBOL champions Argentina, UEFA side the Netherlands and CONCACAF runners-up El Salvador.
The 16 participating nations have been drawn into the following four groups:
GROUP A: Tahiti, United Arab Emirates, Spain, USA
GROUP B: Netherlands, OFC qualifier, Argentina, El Salvador
GROUP C: Brazil, Iran, Senegal, Ukraine
GROUP D: Russia, Japan, Paraguay, Cote d’Ivoire
While he said all the groups will be difficult, Yarza believes one of the toughest will be Group C. The group holds four-time World champions Brazil, the winners of the Asian qualifier Iran and Ukraine, a side Yarza said has been on the rise in Europe of late.
“It’s a tough group and the results will be interesting to see,” Yarza said.
For more on the world game go to www.fifa.com

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