30 Sep 2013

Sport: Tahiti finish 4th at Beach Soccer World Cup

10:35 am on 30 September 2013

Tahiti have finished fourth at the Beach Soccer World Cup in Papeete after an agonising penalty shoot-out defeat to Brazil in the playoff for third place.

Raimana Li Fung Kuee had put the home team in front just 20 seconds after kick-off but with the Tiki Toa trailing 5-2 after 18 minutes the result appeared certain.

Two quick strikes put the home side back into contention and despite a Jorghino volley captain Naea Bennett and Heimanu Taiarui found the back of the net to send the match into extra time.

Despite having two players sent off Brazil regained the lead with just 52 seconds left before Naea Bennett headed home with the last act of open play to make it 7-7 and force a sudden death penalty shoot-out.

But when Mao saved Raimana Li Fung Kuee's penalty, Jorghino took his chance to slot home the winner and clinch third place.

Tahiti and Australia are the only nations from the Oceania Football Confederation to advance as far as the semi-finals of any FIFA event.

Meanwhile Russia defended their World title, beating Spain 5-1 in the final.