Sport: Tahiti gets ready for debut on football's world stage

Transcript

Tahiti are keeping their expectations in check ahead of their debut at the Confederations Cup football tournament in Brazil.

The Oceania champions are a lowly 138th in the world rankings and are competing in a major FIFA tournament for the first time.

They will also play world champion Spain and Uruguay.

Ahead of their opening match against Nigeria, head coach Eddy Etaeta told Vinnie Wylie the squad is looking forward to the challenge.

EDDY ETAETA: All my players are very, very excited to start the first game. That's why I want to protect us, because there's a lot of media around us. The stadium for us is new. It's a big stadium we're not used to playing in our country. But, sure, we prepare the physical, the practical. But we are realistic Nigeria is better than us. But I want to focus only on the (Indistinct) that we have to represent the football of Oceania in Brazil.

VINNIE WYLIE: You've spoken pre-tournament about the fact that your team are amateurs. Nigeria and Spain and Uruguay are obviously massive teams that are used to these big tournaments. What are your expectations going in - getting a draw or just being competitive or maybe scoring a goal? Is there anything specific that you're trying to do in this Confederations Cup?

EE: Spain, Uruguay and Nigeria, they compete in Brazil to win. That's why we have a realistic focus. Normally, at half-time, if they can not score against our team, it's a good and a fantastic performance. But, you know, I want to give a good (Indistinct) for all my players, to try to make a good, good performance.

VW: And you have one professional player in your team - Marama. This is a big opportunity on a global stage for your players, so if some of them do impress and play well, I guess it's an opportunity for them to possibly pick up contracts and make football around the world notice, as well, and people are going to notice Tahiti and see Tahiti on the global stage. It must be a very proud moment for you as a coach to see your players getting ready to play in these games after earning their spot in the tournament.

EE: Yeah, sure, sure. Marama Vahirua is the only proficient player that we have in our team - his presence is very, very important for us. They give us all the details for the high level. With the player s they talk about the experience. Marama is 32 years old. He has a very big experience. That's why he's very important for the next game we have at the Confederations Cup.