It’s the Catalan club’s first-ever Mundialito title and followed an outrageous come-back from 4-1 down against 2011 champions Vasco da Gama.
After pulling themselves back in line at 4-4 apiece, the team went on to prevail 3-2 in the penalty shootout.
Vasco scored the only goal of the first period and used that momentum in the second period to build their lead.
However they weren’t anticipating the determinedness of their Spanish opponents who battled backto tie the game in the third and forcing penalties.
Barcelona were on target and it came down to their Tahitian keeper Jo to stop deny Vasco of the title.
The Mundialito de Clubes Beach Soccer is the second time the Tahitian duo have appeared at a competition with Barcelona after turning out for the side in Trinidad and Tobago in November.
Having impressed on the sand, the pair look likely to earn further call-ups with Barcelona in 2016, which they both see as perfect preparation for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in 2017.
“In our team we have some Spaniards, some Brazilians and a Japanese player. I’m the goalkeeper with Spain’s Dona,” says Torohia.
“The mix is working out well and we have a very good team both on and off the pitch. Language is a bit of a barrier for us but we’re managing and mostly communicate in English.
“The game is also a bit different to what we do with the Tiki Toa. For 2016 Barça wants us to participate in at lest seven tournaments with them.”
For Taiarui, language is also an issue but he says so far each member of the team is managing to communicate with each other which is good.
“At the beginning it was difficult because we’d never played together before and their approach to the game was different to what we do with the Tiki Toa,” he says.
However having since adapted to the new surroundings and teammates Taiarui says he’s flying and loving every minute of his time on the sand competing.
“It’s hard to have a career in beach soccer but we’re making the most of these adventures and hope that the younger players might be able to become professionals.”
Story courtesy of www.sportstahiti.com

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