It was a happy return to Tahiti for Schirinzi who led the Tiki Toa to fourth place at the 2013 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
“It’s a great pleasure to be coming back to Tahiti,” he said.
“I’m happy that we’ve been able to organise this trip because it’s difficult for us too as we’re not only in full swing preparing for the Beach Soccer World Cup, but also the the 2016 Olympic qualifiers.”
Schirinzi noted that the Tahitian side are still a little way off their best but is confident they will be ready for Portugal.
“I’ve found that the Tiki Toa still aren’t 100 per cent on form, but that will come quickly. They have some fitness to work on but also some tactics as they have been playing football more regularly than beach soccer.”
Despite their close friend turning foe on the sand, the Tahitians didn’t let that affect their preparations and it was 2013 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup star Angelo Tchen to open the scoring four minutes in.
The score went back and forth from there as the Swiss equalised, before captain Naea Bennett pulled the hosts back in front.
As the match wound down the rain arrived sending a number of fans heading for the exits, but those who stayed were treated to a fourth Tahitian goal once again courtesy of the captain.
In the end it was the Swiss who secured the lead with just 13 seconds remaining in the match.
The second match was another big one as the Tiki Toa proved they haven’t lost any of their passion or talent in the game.
In the end, Tahiti’s lack of high level matches showd as the Swiss showed the need to remain focused and determined right up to the final whistle.
Locked at 6-6 it fell to Switzerland’s Noel Ott to lead his side to victory with two impressive strikes extending his side’s lead to 8-6 before a Philip Borer gave the Swiss a three goal buffer.
Bennett headed in a late goal, but it wasn’t quite enough to pull his side back into contention allowing Switzerland to secure the series.
Both Tahiti and Switzerland will take part in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Portugal 2015 which is being held from 9-19 July.
For more on Tahiti football go to www.ftf.pf
For more on the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Portugal 2015™ go to www.fifa.com

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