Runners-up to Portugal at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in July, this time around Tiki Toa lost 5-2 to Russia in the final of the 2015 Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup in Dubai.
“It is not easy to lose on both occasions in the final,” says Tiki Toa captain Naea Bennett.
“I am not really happy with that. We are happy with the way the tournament went because we won four of our five matches, but it would have been nice to win the final.
“This was the second time we have reached a final and failed to play how we wanted to, so we need to understand that we have to find ways to win.
“We can’t just be happy that we make the final, we have to win the final and leave the tournament number one.”
Regardless of losing the decider Tiki Toa’s achievements in Dubai were very impressive, notching up victories over Iran, Mexico, Egypt and a 6-2 demolition of world champions Portugal.
A sluggish start in the final saw Tahiti down 4-0 by the end of the first period, before they gave themselves a chance of victory by clawing back to 4-1 in the second period.
In the end the well-organised Russia proved too hard to break down and were comfortable 5-2 winners.
Reflecting on their trip to Dubai, Bennett believes his side have improved following the World Cup, and enjoyed the opportunity to play against quality opposition in what was their third trip to the annual tournament.
“Tiki Toa don’t get many opportunities to play beach soccer with top teams,” Bennett says.
“We are a tiny nation away from all of the other major beach soccer places, so organising matches simply isn’t an option most of the time.
“To go to the tournament in Dubai and play against some of the best teams in the world was amazing.
“We really enjoyed the trip and it was a great opportunity for us to play together after the World Cup.”
With no matches planned for the immediate future Tiki Toa are now looking to implement a new training programme which will see them train together twice a week at different venues around Tahiti.
For more on Tahiti football go to www.ftf.pf

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