Coach Ludovic Graugnard says it’s a great outcome for Tahiti as they look to the future.
“What pleases the group and the staff is that tactically, we had everything in place, defensively we were cohesive, and that posed a problem for Argentina,” Graugnard says.
“The way they played corresponds exactly with what we saw on the video, a lot of depth. As the game went on we started to get a bit more of the ball and were able to some interesting things considering it’s a group that hasn’t played together for some time, and has some new players.
“They also missed a lot of chances and we were lucky with a couple of balls cleared off the line. But we dealt with the danger well.”
Argentina looked comfortable from the outset with rapid passing and precision a key part of their game.
Twenty minutes in Argentina broke through to open the scoring courtesy of Angel Correa, but just six minutes later the hosts pulled themselves back in line when Heimano Bourebare headed in a corner.
Tahiti’s ability to capitalise became key with captain Raimana Li Fung Kuee playing a central role in his side’s comeback as he set up the second and fired in the third and final goal of the match.
Argentina continued to dominate but weren’t as lethal in front of the goal as they needed to be and giving their opponents just enough to pull themselves back into the game.
Teaonui Tehau proved the difference when he finished off a Li Fung Kuee delivery with 15 minutes left to play.
Half-time substitute Sylvain Graglia aid off a decent ball to his captain who finished with ease to extend Tahiti’s lead and send the 3000 strong crowd into a frenzy.
Argentina coach Humberto Grondona says it was a good match with a lot of chances, but also expressed concern at the number of dangerous tackles his players had to put up with.
“It was a very physical match. That’s the one thing that worries me. The players absolutely have to control their kicks because we are right in the middle of our preparation for the world cup,” Grondona says.
For the next match he’s keen to see his team playing in a similar fashion, though hopes some of the physical elements of Tahiti’s game might be honed back.
“Our players develop in the Coupe Libertadores, they need to play in that same way. What they’re preoccupied with is the kicking, the players are becoming nervous and I’m becoming nerous. We came here for a friendly match, we came here to prepare.”
Tahiti and Argentina U-20 will play again on 24 May.
For more on Tahiti football go to www.ftf.pf

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