Sport: Experience and culture key to Tiki Toa success

12:00 pm on 16 July 2015

An experienced playing group and strong team culture is being credited for Tahiti's impressive start to the Beach Soccer World Cup.

The Tiki Toa stunned reigning champions Russia on Tuesday to finish top of their group and take an unbeaten record into tonight's quarter final clash with Iran.

It also ensured they avoided a match against South American powerhouse Brazil.

Oceania Football's Beach Soccer and Futsal Development Officer Paul Toohey says the Tahiti team haven't played a lot of matches in recent months but have built up a lot of experience.

"For some of them it's their third Beach Soccer World Cup and one thing I think where Tahiti have been very smart is they stationed themselves in Portugal for a month before the tournament and some of them are playing in the Swiss League, so there's a lot of experience there. They're starting to become maybe legends of the game now in Europe. It's very much like a family: there's a great spirit in the team and I think it's probably worth an extra goal or two for them in every game".

Paul Toohey says it would be a huge achievement if Tahiti could qualify for another semi final but anything from here is a bonus.