PAPEETE - Tahiti U-20 coach and FIFA World Cup winner Lionel Charbonnier has named his training squad for the next season's Federal Championship.

Charbonnier named his squad last week as Federation Tahitienne de Football (FTF) prepares to host the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) U-20 Men's Championship in December.

Tahiti finished fifth at the last edition of the OFC U-20 Men's Championship in New Zealand in January 2007 while the U-17 team finished runners-up to New Zealand as the Colin Tuaa-coached kiwis qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup - Korea 2007 ahead of the Tahitians.

Charbonnier's impact on Tahitian football has been a welcome boost for the game in French Polynesia with the graduates of last year's U-17 team widely regarded as one of the countries best crop of youngsters in recent years.

The former Auxerre and Rangers goalkeeper said Tahiti and other Oceania nations would struggle to close the gap on the rest of the world but was optimistic gains within the region could still be made.

"Closing the gap in Oceania is more realistic.

The technical gap between New Zealand and the rest of Oceania is not that great.

This is a realistic target for teams like Tahiti," Charbonnier told www.oceaniafootball.com.

Charbonnier says December will see how much progress has been made toward that aim.

"It will be an interesting tournament and I believe we have a good chance to show what we have learned," Charbonnier said. 

The Tahiti U-20 team will play in the Federal Championship as part of its preparation programme for the big event.

The winner of the OFC U-20 Men's Championship will qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup - Egypt 2009. 

TAHITI U-20

Jason MATHIEU (AS Central); Teheipuarii HAUATA (AS Tefana); Ralph HEITAA (AS Vaiari Nui); Alvin TEHAU (AS Tefana); Stephane FAATIARAO (AS Tefana); Edson LEMAIRE (AS Vairao); Keni NUI (AS Pirae); Tauirei TEIVA (AS Venus); Marama AMAU (AS Venus); Kaurani VOIRIN (AS Pirae); Teheivarii LUDIVION (AS Venus); Heimano BOUREBARE (TAC); Teiefitu NAHUI (AS Tefana); Stanley ATANY (AS JT); Ricky AITAMAI (AS Venus); LOrenzo TEHAU (AS Tefana); Garry ROCHETTE (TAC); Jay WARREN (AS Pirae), Steeve CHONG HUE (AS Samine); Tuheirarii TETUANUI (AS Vairao);Rainui TZE YU (AS Venus); Moe ROHI (AS Punaruu).

Coach: Lionel CHARBONNIER (FRA)

TAHITI U-20 RESULTS (2007)

vs. Samoa (N) won 3-1

vs. New Caledonia (N) lost 1-2

vs. Vanuatu (N) drew 2-2

vs. New Zealand (A) lost 0-2

vs. Solomon Islands (N) lost 1-2 

vs. Fiji (N) won 2-0 

Final position: 5th 

 Tahiti secured second place in the OFC Futsal championship in Suva tonight with a gutsy 2-1 win over Vanuatu in their final match of the tournament.

Matana Bea was the toast of Tahiti when his last minute winner propelled his side over Vanuatu and into the silver medal spot.

For Vanuatu it brought an end to their World Cup dream and the wild celebrations of the Tahitians were in sharp contrast to the tears of the Vanuatu side.

Vanuatu went ahead in the fifth minute when Fedy Vava fired home from close range after a swift attack led by Derek Malas.

Tahiti have made a name for themselves at this tournament as a team who will fight to the death and defend with their lives. But they also have a very dangerous counter attack and Vanuatu found this out the hard way when Michel Maihuri equalised in the 16th minute following a swift break

The second half was an intense battle of attack versus defence. Vanuatu were in desperate need of a goal to keep their championship dream alive and controlled long spells of possession while Tahiti blocked everything that was thrown at them with a tight knit structurally sound defence.

As the clock wound down Vanuatu started taking more risks forward and Bea was able to capitalise with a clincal Tahitian counter attack with 10 seconds remaining.

The crowd made up of predominantly Solomon Island fans adopted Tahiti as their own as the game progressed and the Tahitian spirit and endeavour was inspiring for all involved.

As the final whistle sounded Tahiti erupted into a wild celebration before performing the Haka for the appreciative crowd.

Tahiti coach Rani Bea described the win as the proudest moment of his short Futsal coaching career.

“I have so much happiness in me right now, but most of all I want to thank God.

“Before the tournament I didn’t think we could go this far because we have never competed at this level before.

“But game after game we started to believe we could win the gold medal and to end up with the silver is just amazing.

“This will have a big impact on Futsal in Tahiti because now all the young people will believe that they can do it.”

“At the start of the tournament we had no one supporting us but by the end the whole stand was shouting for us. It is a moment I will never forget.” 

OFC FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIP FIJI 2008

VANUATU vs TAHITI

VODAFONE ARENA

SUVA

FIJI

SATURDAY 14 JUNE

TAH: 1. Rehia DAVIO (gk); 3. Jimmy RIARIA; 4. Romeo PATIRA; 6. Michel MAIHURI; 10. Usiera PUKOKI.

SUBS: 2. Matana BEA; 5. Lysis TAUHA; 7. Steeven TINO; 8. Tetuanui TINOMOE; 9. Iorama BEA; 11. Amau TETUANUI; 12. Fernand TUANUA (rgk)

COACH: Rani BEA (TAH)

VAN: 1. Chikau MANSALE (gk); 3. Ben EDWARD; 5. Fedy VAVA; 6. Derek MALAS; 10. Jack Vira ALA.

SUBS: 2. Terry QUARE; 4. Lui SIFAS; 7. Ben HUNGAI; 8. Louis DOMINQUE; 9. Siardon Mera TALKANAMAL; 11. Saen Wowut FANAI; 22. Daniel MANSALE (rgk).

REFEREE: Scott KIDSON (AUS)

2nd REFEREE: Rajnish DAVE (FIJ)

3rd REFEREE: Amitesh BEHARI (FIJ)

LIVE TEXT UPDATES

0'- The match gets underway and its end to end stuff

2'- Tahiti has a chance but Chikau Mansale saves!

4'- Vanuatu miss what looked an easy chance for Derek Malas!

5'- Time out called by Vanuatu

7'- Tahiti shoot but Mansale saves superbly!

9'- Tahiti get caught on the counter attack!

10'- GOAL! Fedy VAVA scores for Vanuatu and the small but vocal Ni-Vanuatu fans erupt in delight!

11'- Fedy VAVA breaks clear but shoots wide - so close for Vanuatu!

12'- Good buildup play by Tahiti but MALAS and TALKANAMAL break clear - its a corner for Vanuatu

12'- Shot by Ben EDWARD is saved by Rehia DAVIO

14'- Ben EDWARD shoots again and forces another save from DAVIO - exciting stuff from both teams!

14'- Romeo PATIRA blocks a Derek MALAS shot!

15'- ALA loses the ball to Michel MAIHURI but Ben EDWARD wins it back!

15'- Ben EDWARD strikes a beautiful shot and Rehia DAVIO pulls off a wonderful save - its a head to head duel between these two players!

15'- Time out called by Tahiti

15'- Vanuatu miss a great chance to go 2-0 up as Saen FANAI fails to connect cleanly with a Fedy VAVA cross inside the Tahiti circle

15'- Fedy VAVA has become more and more influential for Vanuatu as this tournament has progressed - and he's making all the difference here this afternoon

16'- Vanuatu keep possession searching for an opening but Tahiti refuse to lie down

16'- GOAL! Tahiti has equalised in sensational fashion!!!!!! Mansale lets one slip through his hands and its now 1-1!!!! Goal to Michel MAIHURI!

16'- Tension grips the Vodafone Arena as the match and championship swing back into Solomon Islands favour...who will qualify for Brazil?!

17'- A one-two play by FANAI and TALKANAMAL results in a goal kick and the recriminations for Vanuatu begin

17'- A clever chip shot from Terry QUARE deflects for a Vanuatu corner!

18'- Romeo PATIRA blocks FANAI's shot and it stays Tahiti 1 Vanuatu 1!

19'- Vanuatu are camped in Tahiti's half as the energy levels of both teams hit a high as they search for the next goal

19'- Tahiti coach Rani BEA urges his team onwards as they break forward

20'- We have less than 53 seconds left in the first half....

20'- A free-kick from Louis DOMINQUE is deflected and whipped across goal with TALKANAMAL missing at the far post

20'- 12 seconds left....Tahiti corner....

20'- Shot by Usiera PUKOKI is saved brilliantly by Chikau MANSALE!

HALFTIME: VAN 1 TAH 1

21'- Tahiti win a free kick but MAIHURI fires it straight into the wall

21'- Vanuatu break qucikly with Derek MALAS but he fires his shot high over DAVIO's crossbar!

22'- Rehia DAVIO saves a Terry QUARE thunderbolt long range effort

22'- Jimmy RIARIA makes a solid tackle on Jack Vira ALA and wins the kick-in for Tahiti

22'- Tahiti open Vanuatu wide but can't score as Chikau MANSALE makes a match saving block!

23'- What Tahiti lack in technical ability they compensate for in heart - they do not know when to stop running and battling!

24'- Vanuatu cannot break this stout Tahitian defending - now Tahiti break fast...

24'- Terry QUARE is through but MAIHURI saves with a physical - but legal - tackle!

23'- Derek MALAS cannot find a way through a wall of Tahitian defenders

25'- Vanuatu look under intense pressure with Tahiti turning in another big hearted performance

27'- The text updater has just been hit by the ball after Vanuatu defend a Tahiti break!

27'- Jimmy RIARIA with the kick-in for Tahiti...he hits the ball long and Tahiti win another kick-in

29'- MANSALE pulls off save of the tournament to deny Tahiti - this match is pulsating with excitement!

31'- MANSALE pulls off another save as Tahiti make rapidfire substitutions their trademark in this tournament so far

31'- 9 minutes remaining and this is anyone's match - Solomon Island and Vanuatu fans are watching on the edge of their seats!

31'- Its 1-1 here in Suva but in Port Vila Vanuatu and New Caledonia are locked at 0-0 in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa/OFC Nations Cup 2008 clash...!

32'- Derek MALAS is subbed back into the match as Vanuatu go searching for the goal that will put pressure on Solomon Islands...

33'- Tahiti battle on gamely searching for an elusive winner

33'- Derek MALAS is on form for Vanuatu and their is plenty of time for both teams to make the next breakthrough

34'- Tahiti attack breaks down and MALAS breaks away only for QUARE to shoot at DAVIO who hits the ball over the bar with his knee

34'- Romeo PATIRA shoots wide on the break!

34'- Now QUARE fires over the crossbar from close range for Vanuatu!

34'- MANSALE and DAVIO are candidates for the two best goalkeepers at this tournament DOMINIQUE shoots but Usiera PUKOKI blocks!

36'- FREE KICK to Tahiti and Romeo PATIRA to take it...Jimmy RIARIA shoots and gets a deflection for a corner but Vanuatu break through Fedy VAVA...

37'- Shot for VAVA but DAVIO saves...!

37'- If it stays the same Solomon Islands will just need to beat Tuvalu to qualify for Brazil...if Vanuatu get a goal and win this match then Solomon Islands will need to win by 13 goals

37'- Vanuatu has called a time out

37'- 2 minutes and 31 seconds remain in this match - it is delicately poised...!

37'- Tahiti miss a three on one as MANSALE saves! Sensational save! What excitement! As Vanuatu break DAVIO saves for Tahiti!

39'- Freekick to Tahiti has Vanuatu's hopes disappeared for qualification for this tournament

40'- We have 58 seconds left to play in this cauldron of a match

40'- RED CARD Ben EDWARD has been sent off for Vanuatu and Vanuatu's hopes take a nosedive!

40'- GOAL! MATANA BEA SCORES FOR TAHITI AND ITS 2-1 FOR TAHITI!!!!!!!!!

FULLTIME - The Solomon Islands fans have erupted in delight as have the Tahitian players who now perform a haka to a rapturous applause.

Fans around the stadium chant, "GO TAHITI GO! GO TAHITI GO! GO SOLO GO! GO SOLO GO!"

Solomon Islands now need to beat Tuvalu to qualify for the FIFA FUTSAL WORLD CUP - BRAZIL 2008

Vanuatu leave the arena in tears after a pulsating effort.

 The Solomon Islands have moved back into first place – equal in points with Vanuatu – after defeating Tahiti 4-2 in one of the most exciting matches of the tournament so far.

It was a tale of the Solomon’s technical proficiency and skill against Tahiti’s discipline, heart and will-power and both sides were clapped off the field by a standing ovation by both appreciative sets of fans.

The result effectively ends Tahiti’s championship dream but the spirit of their performances and determination has won over fans throughout Suva.

For the Solomon’s the dream lives on and they will be hoping to finish with a flurry of goals in their last game against Tuvalu tomorrow.

Micah Lea’alafa struck first for the Solomon’s in the third minute with a rocket of a shot past Tahiti goalkeeper Rehia Davio.

The tactical awareness of the Tahitian defense was impressive throughout the match and for all the Solomon’s possession they found it difficult to penetrate their back line.

But their speed and skill created an opening for Jenan Kapu in the ninth minute and he put the Solomon’s two up with delicate finish inside the near post.

Tahiti responded in the best way one minute later when a sweeping move was finished off by Matana Bea.

The tension raised a level in the second half with both side aware of what a win would mean to their title chances.

In the 25th minute James Egeta restored the Solomon Islands two goal buffer with a powerful low drive from outside the box.

But once again Tahiti bounced right back and just 30 seconds later Bea had scored his second of the night and the crowd were back to biting their fingernails.

With the one goal lead and 15 minutes to play the Solomon Islands controlled possession and Tahiti formed a brick-like defense closing them down quickly at every opportunity.

As the half wore on Tahiti were forced to throw more numbers forward in search of an equalizer and this created more space for the Solomon Island attackers.

After a frenetic few minutes with both sides having good chances JackWetney killed the game off in the last minute to jubilant celebrations throughout the Solomon Island camp.

Solomon Island Coach Victor Wai’ia said the Tahitian defence was very hard to break down.

“Tahiti play at the same speed for the full 40 minutes and they are all very fast. I told the boys they would have no chance to slack off.

“They are very well organized in defence and we tried to keep possession in the last 15 minutes to wear them down.”

“We were also well organized today and the team worked very well. We will look into our plan for our final game against Tuvalu tomorrow.”

Tahiti coach Rani Bea said that he was very proud of his side’s determination and commitment tonight.

“Both the players in our squad and the people of Tahiti have terrific spirit and attitude, especially in the small island of Rapa where it is truly exceptional.

“We had nothing to lose towards the end of the match and so we pushed the goalkeeper up and played with five up. We tried everything we could.

“We know our team does not have the most skillful individual players here but we play with heart and are very technical in defence. We haven’t conceded a lot of goals in any match at this tournament.”

“We have ten players on the same level and this has helped us.”

TAH: 1. Rehia DAVIO (GK); 3. Jimmy RIARIA; 4. Romeo PATIRA; 6. Michel MAIHURI; 7. Steeven TINO;

SUBS: 2. Matana BEA; 5. Lysis TAUHA; 8. Tetuanui TINOMOE; 9. Lorama BEA; 10. Usiera PUKOKI; 11. Amau TETUANUI; 12. Fernand TUANUA;

Coach: Rani BEA (TAH)

Goals: 2. Matana BEA 10’, 25’;

SOL: 1. Alick LIOKA (GK); 3. Elliot RAGOMO; 7. James EGETA; 9. Micah LEA’ALAFA; 12. Jack WETNEY;

SUBS: 2. Phillip HOUTARAU; 4. Alfred PUNGUIKA; 5. Jenan KAPU; 6. Maffat SIKW’AE; 8.Francis LAFAI; 11. Ron GINIO; 13. StanleyPUAIRANA (RGK)

Coach: Victor WAI’IA (SOL)

Goals: 9. Micah LEA’ALAFA 3’; 5. Jenan KAPU 9’; 7. James EGETA 25’; 12. Jack WETNEY;

Referee: Chris COLLEY (AUS)

2nd Referee: Francois TROLLIARD (NCL)

3rd Referee: Amitesh BEHARI (FIJ)

Timekeeper: Rajnish DAVE (FIJ)

Referees’ Assessor: Chandra SEGRAN (FIJ)

Tahiti has moved into first place of the OFC Futsal Championship in Suva after defeating Fiji 9-2 in the opening game of Match Day Five today.

With the Solomon Islands playing Vanuatu later tonight, their position at the top may be short lived but that doesn’t bother Tahiti Coach Rani Bea who has created a sense of belief in their players that they can now go all the way.

“The two games coming up are against very strong opposition and it will be tough,” he said. “But we really believe now. We can do it. We can do it.”

Tahiti opened the scoring in the fifth minute when Tetuanui scored the first goal of his brace on the evening.

Matana Bea then scored a hat trick in the space of ten minutes to kill the game off and propel Tahiti to their third win of the tournament.

Two goals to Jimmy Riaria and a goal a-piece to Usiera Pukoki and Lysis Tauha completed the scoring for Tahiti while Fiji scored two second half consolation goals through Nayzal Siga Ali and Assis Chand.

Fiji looked tired on the court tonight and it was always going to be tough for them as the tournament wore on with their entire squad coming straight from the Fiji FACT tournament last week.

Fiji Coach Imtiaz Khan noted that the Tahitian side had done their homework well in preparation for the game.

“They knew we were tired and knew we were handicapped with injuries. I think everyone could see the difference tonight between our players and the Tahiti players and the next two days are going to be very difficult with tires legs.”

But nothing should be taken away from Tahiti’s performance. They are improcing with every match and Bea said he is delighted with the way they have been following gameplans.

“The players really listen to us. They play in the system we ask of them and defend the way we want them to. I can’t ask for any more than that.

Tahiti will meet the Solomon Islands at 6.00pm on Match Day six in an important penultimate match for both sides.

Photos by Marc Peretic Wilson

TAH: 1. Rehia DAVIO (GK); 3. Jimmy RIARIA; 4. Romeo PATIRA; 6. Michel MAIHURI; 7. Steeven TINO;

SUBS: 2. Matana BEA; 5. Lysis TAUHA; 8. Tetuanui TINOMOE; 9. Lorama BEA; 10. Usiera PUKOKI; 11. Amau TETUANUI; 12. Fernand TUANUA;

Coach: Rani BEA (TAH)

Goals: 8. Tetuanui TINOMOE 5’; 26’; 3. Jimmy RIARIA 7’, 34’; 2. Matana BEA 13’, 15’, 23’; 10. Usiera PUKOKI 33’; 5. Lysis TAUHA 38’

FIJ: 2. Mira SAHIB; 4. Alvin AVINESH; 7. Vikash PRASAD; 10. Dinesh Chand MUDALIAR;12. Nishad Wasim ALI (GK);

SUBS: 1. Azmat BEGG (GK); 3. Sandeep Sanjesh NAIR; 5. Nayzal Siga Ali; 6. Assis CHAND; 8. Muni Arvindra NAIDU; 9. Kamal HASSAN; 10. Dinesh Chand MUDALIAR; 11. Imtiaz BEGG;

Coach: Imtiaz KHAN (FIJ)

Goals: 5. Nayzal Siga Ali 23’;

Injured: 8. Muni Arvindra NAIDU;

Referee: Peter L. PAKOATONG (VAN)

2nd Referee: Stephan PARAGE (NCL)

3rd Referee: Francois TROLLIARD (NCL)

Timekeeper: Allan ALICK (VAN)

Referee’s Assessor: Neil POLOSO (SOL)

Tahiti fought back from a two goal deficit to draw 2-2 with New Caledonia in the first game of Match Day Four at the OFC Futsal Championships in Suva, Fiji.

It was another spirited fight back from the Tahitian side, whose never-say-die attitude resulted in Jimmy Riaria equalising in the 35th minute after New Caledonia had shot out to a 2-0 lead.

But Tahiti coach Rani Bea will be regretting a host of missed opportunities for his side in the opening five minutes which could have painted a different picture.

Against the run of play New Caledonia opened the scoring in the third minute of the match when Yvan Pourouoro converted from close range after a swift New Caledonia counter attack.

Jerry Iaruel increased the lead for New Caledonia two minutes into the second half and New Caledonia were off to their best start of the tournament.

But the Tahitian spirit should never be counted out and goals to Yvan Pourouoro and Riaria kept alive Tahiti’s shot at the championship.

Tahiti Coach Rani Bea was happy with the spirit and determination of his side to fight back from 2-0 down but disappointed with the result.

“The objective today was to win because we want to go to Brazil and we really needed the three points today.

“We had a lot of chances in the first half that we should have converted but we wasted and I am disappointed with that.

“But I am happy with where we are in the tournament. Next we have Fiji and that will be a very tough test, they are very strong and physical and we will need a lot of movement off the ball to combat their style.”

New Caledonia coach Eric Michalak was philosophical about his sides loss.

“We lost one ball in the middle of the park and they benefited from it and the whole game changed,” he said. “But that’s the sport and the way it goes and now I look ahead to tomorrow’s game against Fiji and think we must win.”

“Tahiti like us were very tired. They played a big game yesterday against new Zealand so I told my team to try and keep them moving and we did it well in the first half.”

“It won’t be easy for us tomorrow against Tuvalu because I know they are getting better day after day.”

Photos By Marc Peretic Wilson

NCL: 1. Ronan EUZEN (GK); 3. Alexandre ROSSO; 4. Albert HNAILOLO; 5. Jerry IARUEL;  7. EDOUARD MURACCIOLI;

SUBS: 2. Jean Phillipe WEMAMA; 6. Benoit MOGLIA; 9. Yoan GARIN; 10. Marcias GINO RENE; 11. Stevens GUILLEMIN; 8. Yvan POUROUORO; 16. Ronald GAYON (RGK);

Coach: Michalak ERIC (NCL)

Goals: 8. Yvan Pourouoro 2’; 5. Jerry IARUEL 23’;

TAH: 1. Rehia DAVIO (GK); 3. Jimmy RIARIA; 4. Romeo PATIRA; 6. Michel MAIHURI; 7. Steeven TINO;

SUBS: 2. Matana BEA; 5. Lysis TAUHA; 8. Tetuanui TINOMOE; 9. Lorama BEA; 10. Usiera PUKOKI; 11. Amau TETUANUI; 12. Fernand TUANUA;

Coach: Rani BEA (TAH)

Goals: 7. Steeven TINO 29’; 3. Jimmy RIARIA 35’ ;

Referee: Chris COLLEY (AUS)

2nd Referee: Jamie CROSS (NZL)

3rd Referee: Peter L. PAKOATONG (VAN)

Timekeeper: Amitesh BEHARI (FIJ)

Referees’ Assessor: Chandra SEGRAN (FIJ)

Tahiti scored an amazing 3-2 victory over New Zealand on match day three of the OFC Futsal Championships in Suva, Fiji.

Tahiti were trailing 2-1 with one minute and forty seconds to play before Michel Maihuri scored two goals in the space of 90 seconds to clinch the win in dramatic circumstances.

The game began at a breakneck speed with Tahiti scoring after two minutes through Romeo Patira before New Zealand equalized just five seconds later care of Joshua Martin.

The remainder of the first half was a cagey tense affair with both sides creating good chances but unable to convert them into goals.

Marvin Eakins looked like he had clinched the winner for New Zealand when his finish put the kiwis in front with two minutes left on the clock.

But the Tahitian side – playing at their first ever OFC Futsal championship – were not done and Maihuri scored the equalizer with 1.40 left on the clock.

The celebrations were intense from the Tahitian bench but they were nothing compared to the jubilation shown nine seconds from time when Maihuri headed home his second of the night to steal an improbable victory.

The Tahiti coaching staff were near speechless after the win and head coach Rani Bea stated that he had never given up.

“That was our game. Yesterday we did not play our game but today we showed what we can do. We are still alive in this competition.”

“I always believed. The last two minutes I brought on my four best players because I believed we could do it, and in this moment I am so happy.”

“When the goal came I thought of the country and everyone who we have done so proud. I am just so happy.”

“Tonight we will celebrate but tomorrow we will be back to work.”

New Zealand Coach Erkin Osman was bitterly disappointed with the loss and said the side missed too many chances early in the game.

“We created 25 or so chances and only converted two. You can’t afford to do that.”

“Going 2-1 up with a minute to go, we should have been able to hold on, but we weren’t desperate enough.”

“I put our best defenders on at the end to shut up shop but they still got in behind us, I’m very disappointed.”

Photos by Marc Peretic Wilson

NZL: 1. Elias BILLEH (GK); 4. Marvin EAKINS; 8. Joshua MARTIN; 17. Victor ZAIA; 23. Gregory O’CONNOR

SUBS: 20. Clayton CHAPPELL (RGK), 5. Yukin NAIDOO; 14. Bakr Al SAUDI; 3. Andrew GWILLIAM; 19. Michael CORRINGHAM; 10. Ouadhah RAGUED; 12. Luke FIELD

Coach: Erkin Osman (AUS)

Goals: 8. Joshua Martin 1’; 4. Marvin Eakins;

TAH: 1. Rehia DAVIO (GK); 3. Jimmy RIARIA; 4. Romeo PATIRA; 6. Michel MAIHURI; 7. Steeven TINO;

SUBS: 2. Matana BEA; 5. Lysis TAUHA; 8. Tetuanui TINOMOE; 9. Lorama BEA; 10. Usiera PUKOKI; 11. Amau TETUANUI; 12. Fernand TUANUA;

Coach: Rani BEA (TAH)

Goals: 4. Romeo Patira 1’; Michel Maihuri;

Referee: Allan ALICK (VAN)

2nd Referee: Amitesh BEHARI (FIJ)

3rd Referee: Stephanie PARAGE (NCL)

Timekeeper: Francois TROLLIARD (NCL)

Referee’s Assessor: Chandra SEGRAN (FIJ)

Tahiti opened up their international Futsal account with a 3-1 win over Tuvalu in the final game of Match Day Two in the OFC Futsal Championships in Suva, Fiji.

Tuvalu and Tahiti are both new to the Futsal code and it was a game of firsts with both sides finding their first international goal in an international match

Tahiti survived an early scare when Tuvalu target Imo Fiamalua opened the scoring in the 11th minute, blasting a freekick through the wall and into the Tahiti net.

But Tahiti were quick to respond and three minutes later Michael Maihuri levelled the scores with a well placed drive from just outside the box.

Maihuri gave Tahiti the lead three minutes later with a free kick of his own blistering the Tuvalu net and the bench of Tahiti players and officials reacted in euphoric celebration.

Steeven Tino put the icing on the cake for Tahiti when he found the net from close range with 42 seconds left on the clock.

Tahiti coach Rani Bea was pleased with the result but was looking for a better performance from his side.

“We were looking for a better performance and I think the boys were a little stressed out over their first game.

“Most of our players are from a small island in Rapa and they are not used to this kind of competition. This was their first time in a big stadium.

“We need to play easier and play as we practice. But it is always difficult in the first game and I think their confidence will grow as the tournament does.”

“I was very happy with the way the bench contributed today and was very happy with the win.”

Tuvalu coach Sami Neemia was quick to admit his team didn’t stick to their game plan tonight.

“The boys have shaken off their nerves but they are still taking time to adjust to playing on this surface that they are not used to. I think the boys are ready to do some damage in the few remaining games.

“In general Tuvalu football and futsal  is developing very quickly and I think we will be a major threat at these events in the future.”

TUV: 5.Mau PENISULA; 9. Starchel SOLOSENI; 8. Peniuna KAITU; 6. Paitela KELEMENE; 1. Sopepe TAILOLO (GK);

SUBS: 2. Felo FEOTO; 3. Tioti Maati TOAFA; 17. Neemia ONOSEMU; 19. Mahanga TEIAPUTI; 11. Imo FIAMALUA; 21. Maio ETIMANI; 10. Semalie FOTU

Coach: Sami NEEMIA (TUV)

TAH: 1. Rehia DAVIO (GK); 3. Jimmy RIARIA; 4. Romeo PATIRA; 6. Michel MAIHURI; 7. Steeven TINO;

SUBS: 2. Matana BEA; 5. Lysis TAUHA; 8. Tetuanui TINOMOE; 9. Lorama BEA; 10. Usiera PUKOKI; 11. Amau TETUANUI; 12. Fernand TUANUA;

Coach: Rani BEA (TAH)

Photos by Marc Peretic Wilson

SUVA - The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) in conjunction with Fiji TV is pleased to advise football fans around the region of broadcast details of the OFC Futsal Championship - Fiji 2008. OFC and Fiji TV have reached an agreement to cover all 21 matches of the championship for broadcasters around the region.

Full details of the exact broadcast arrangements for each country can be obtained by contacting your local broadcaster. OFC will provide updates at www.oceaniafootball.com of where and when you can follow the fortunes of your nation's matches in Suva.

Host nation Fiji and its close rivals Solomon Islands and Vanuatu recorded opening day wins at the Vodafone Arena in Suva - Vanuatu handed Tuvalu a 6-0 defeat as Solomon Islands turned over New Zealand 5-1. Fiji scored what could be a pivotal win over highly fancied New Caledonia 4-2.

Australia won the OFC Futsal Championship title on four occasions in 1992, 1996, 1999 and 2004. However its last experience at the FIFA Futsal World Cup - Thailand 2004 resulted in three defeats: Brazil (0-10), Czech Republic (0-5) and Thailand (2-3).

Fiji and New Zealand have finished runners-up to Australia on two occasions with Vanuatu finishing third in the four previous editions of the OFC Futsal Championship.

The highest placing for a team from outside the traditional football powerhouses in Oceania came in 1996 when Samoa finished in fourth place.

Apart from Australia and New Zealand only Solomon Islands has previously qualified for a major FIFA event when it played at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in 2006 and 2007. 

Solomon Islands are set to repeat that accomplishment when it travels to Marseille for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in July 2008 where it will play the opening match against Italy.

The broadcast details of host nation Fiji's matches are listed below.

Stay tuned to www.oceaniafootball.com as updates for all the broadcast details for all nations is made known.

The FIFA Futsal World Cup takes place in Brazil from 30 September - 19 October 2008 in Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro.  

 

Date	Time	Match	Coverage	Channel
Mon 9 June	22H30-23H15	Fiji vs. New Caledonia	Delayed	Sky Pacific – Ch1 (Fiji One)
Wed 11 June	22H30-23H15	Fiji vs. Solomon Islands	Delayed	Sky Pacific – Ch1 (Fiji One)
Thu 12 June	22H30-23H15	Fiji vs. Vanuatu	Delayed	Sky Pacific – Ch1 (Fiji One)
Fri 13 June	22H30-23H15	Fiji vs. Tahiti	Delayed	Sky Pacific – Ch1 (Fiji One)
Sat 14 June	22H30-23H15	Fiji vs. Tuvalu	Delayed	Sky Pacific – Ch1 (Fiji One)
Mon 16 June	22H30-23H15	Fiji vs. New Zealand	Delayed	Sky Pacific – Ch1 (Fiji One)

If the Tahitian Futsal team are to have success at the OFC Futsal Championships in Suva this week a lot of credit will go to Scott Gilligan, the technical advisor working with the side.

Since April of this year, Gilligan and head coach Rani Bea have been living with the squad in a football academy in Tahiti, training twice a day with every Sunday off.

Gilligan is the current Australian futsal coach and was approached to help prepare the Tahiti team for the OFC Championships.

“Tahiti embraced Futsal for the first time last year,” Gilligan said. “The first ever tournament attracted 20 teams and the winner earned the right to represent Tahiti at the OFC Futsal Championships.”

Gilligan said that eight players in the Tahitian side are from the small island of Rapa – where there is no airport and they have to take a boat across to the main Island.

Though the team has only been playing Futsal for a short time Gilligan said he was impressed with how far they have come and developed.

“There have been big improvements across the board for all our players, everyone has really improved a lot. There are no outstanding stars but collectively we work well as a unit. I think we will shock a few teams.”

Gilligan was level headed about his expectations from the tournament.

“The intention is to come here and win but I think realistically Solomon Islands are the team to beat. However there are some aspects of the game like pressure defence and scoring goals on the back post that Tahiti do better than the Australian team so you never know.

“But it is a learning curve for them, only the goalkeeper has ever been out of the country from the squad.”

Gilligan said it was difficult to try and control their excitement because he didn’t want it to affect their game.

“They are very excited. I want them to feel like it’s just another game but I know their level of excitement is just going to keep them buzzing.”

Gilligan said Tahiti carries a young squad with an average age of 22 and have had the advantage of training in some quality facilities in Tahiti.

“We trained on full sized pitches – which were a godsend in more ways than one. A lot of countries haven’t been training on a full court, and we have trained for 100 minutes, rather than 70, so we are very well conditioned.”

Tahiti have a bye on Match Day One and will face Tuvalu first up at 20H00 on match day two.