Photo Credit: Aitor Alcalde – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Tahiti have held off a late fightback from Argentina in their opening match at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup™ 2024 in Dubai to open their campaign with a victory.
The Tiki Toa, who won the OFC Beach Soccer Nations Cup last year as hosts, are looking to go one better than their runner-up finishes in both 2015 and 2017 and got off to the perfect start at the Dubai Design District Stadium, recovering from an early Argentina goal to race into a 4-1 lead, before holding off their opponents to clinch a 4-3 victory.
With Iran overcoming Spain in Group B’s other fixture in a penalty shoot-out, Tahiti have already established a two point buffer as they seek to secure qualification to the knockout stage.
Two goals from Heirauarii Salem – such an influential presence in his side’s qualification victory last year – was the key for Tahiti, with one apiece for team mates Raimana Li Fung Kuee and Roonui Tinirauarii leaving Argentina with too much to do as they fought to find a way back.
Next up for the defending OFC champions in the early hours of Sunday morning (NZT) is Spain, who will be looking to recover from their opening match defeat to Iran.
Tahiti: 4 (Heirauarii SALEM 13′, 31′, Raimana LI FUNG KUEE 21′, Roonui TINIRAUARII 30′)
Argentina: 3