The defeat – Tahiti’s first at this tournament – leaves the hosts preparing for a quarter final encounter with South American champions Argentina, a side they defeated 6-4 in a pre-tournament friendly.
Having already earned passage to the next stage on Saturday the pressure was lifted off the Tiki Toa’s shoulders for this match, which would determine who would take top spot in Group B.
But Tahiti may have lifted the foot a little too high off the pedal as they conceded their first goal after just three minutes of play when Raul Merida found the back of the net.
The Tiki Toa conceded two more goals before the end of the first period leaving them with a three goal deficit to chase as Merida earned his brace and Kuman scored one of his own.
In the second period Spain continued to assert their dominance as Pajon scored to give his side a 4-0 lead.
Tahiti had their chances to reign in the Spaniards but once again struggled at the finish with 20 of their 36 shots off target.
The host nation’s wait ended when Saturday’s goal scoring hero Patrick Tepa opened Tahiti’s account towards the end of the second period bringing the crowd to their feet in anticipation.
That chase proved too tough an ask of the Tiki Toa who continued to defend well and deny Spain the chance to extend their lead.
Raimana Li Fung Kuee scored with a free-kick late in the final third, but it too little too late to save Tahiti as Spain finally ended the Tiki Toa’s unbeaten run.
The result leaves Spain in a quarter-final showdown with El Salvador after they beat Solomon Islands 7-6 in a thrilling battle that ended hopes of a second Oceania side progressing to the next stage of a FIFA tournament for the first time in history.

Share