Pride for their country and a determination to prove themselves deserving of their place on the world stage helps drive this team.
But it’s the unique manner in which they play and the familial vibe that really sets them apart.
And it’s in part why Golden Ball winner Heimanu Taiarui credited his teammates with the award, rather than taking all the glory himself.
“I’m not sure who it was, but someone told me that I deserved it, that I had earned the award on merit. But I think it was actually recognition for the team, for the way we play,” a modest Taiarui recounts.
“We like passing the ball and going all-out attack regardless of the scoreline, and people appreciated that.”
While the work of the team is important, that’s not to say that Taiarui wasn’t incredibly pleased to top the individual awards.
“Who would have thought? A little Tahitian who cames from a small island like ours and becomes the best player in the world at beach soccer, It’s just incredible!”
Taiarui wasn’t the only Tahitian whose talent on the sand was picked up by FIFA’s technical study group, with goalkeeper Jonathan Torohia taking home the Golden Gloves.
“Golden Glove 2015, it’s magnificent! It’s massive,” the 30-year-old says.
“In 2011 in Ravenne, I watched the trophy go past me from a metre away with the Russian goalkeeper. It’s beautiful.”
While the golden feeling was experienced by Taiarui and Torohia in the form of their individual awards, the team missed out on the top prize after losing in the final to hosts Portugal.
“Obviously we wanted to take the world cup back to Polynesia, but we’re still incredibly satisfied with the silver medal,” Torohia says.
For Taiarui it’s a disappointment, but one the side can get past.
“For any high level athlete, to lose the most important match in your career it’s always disappointing but when you consider that even with this defeat your are still vice-champion of the world, you can’t ask for more,” he says.
“The thing that helps boost my morale is knowing that we may not be on the highest level of the podium, but we’re just below it and that below us, are the two-time world champions. All the major football nations, Brazil, Italy, Spain, all these countries are even further behind us, it’s just amazing.”
And the disappointment appears to have all but disappeared as the team already looks ahead to the next FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in two years time.
“Now I want to be champions in the Bahamas,” Taiarui says.
“We need to add details to our game to make us even more competitive, while staying true to our style.”

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