It is a historic moment for Tahiti as they pick up their first win at any FIFA event, after their U-20 side failed to pick up a point during the FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009 – the Island nation’s only other apperances at a World Cup finals.
Venezuela are also appearing in their first FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup after they qualified as the fouth best South American side.
Tahiti, who upset the Solomon Islands Bilikiki to reach the tournament, started the stronger of the two teams and always looked likely to score first. Player-captain Teva Zaveroni did just that, putting his side ahead in the 7th minute. The Tiki Toa, or Warrior Men, continued to dominate with a cohesive attacking approach and strong ball possession but they couldn’t capitalise in the first period as the teams were locked at 1-1 after Edgar Quintero found the equaliser for Venezuela.
The Tahitians found their stride in the second period to go 4-2 up with goals coming from Nea Bennet, Marama Amau and Teva Zaveroni. They finished off an impressive debut win with a stunning free-kick from Tearli Labaste that left the Venezuelan keeper with no chance.
Group C will next see action on Sunday 4 September when the Venezuelans take on Nigeria, who lost earlier in the day, and Tahiti meet Russia in a table-topping clash.
For more on the tournament visit www.fifa.com/beachsoccerworldcup

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