Raimana Li Fung Kuee struck the winning penalty to secure the victory, after a pair of late Italian goals had forced extra-time. Paolo Palmacci had seen his effort saved by Jonathan Torohia before Li Fung Kuee settled the first shootout of the tournament, with both sides remaining unbeaten in Portugal in open play. The Oceania side will face the hosts in the final.
Tahiti had found themselves ahead inside 30 seconds through Heimanu Taiarui in their bid to put the memories of their semi-final defeat on home soil two years ago behind them. Palmacci levelled only to see them fall behind 12 seconds later in a back-and-forth encounter between the Tiki Toa and the Azzurri.
Captain Naea Bennett extended that lead to two early in the second period and, while the Italians were biting at their heels throughout, they didn’t taste parity again until the dying minutes. Torohia produced his first penalty save of the day, denying Gabriele Gori, only for rebound to be delicately chipped in. Ultimately though, penalties would prove to favour the islanders.
After making their first appearance in this tournament in 2011, when they recorded two defeats and a win in three games, the Oceanian country hosted the tournament two years ago and finished fourth, an achievement they are now certain to surpass this year.
By any standard, Tahiti’s win over the Azzurri was truly epic. After the teams finished regulation and extra time level on six goals apiece, it took a penalty shootout, and Jonathan Torohia’s decisive save of Paolo Palmacci’s spot kick, before the celebrations could begin in earnest.
“This is a dream final for us, and we’ll go into it with the intention of playing the usual collective style that we’re known for,” Tiki Toa coach Tehina Roa says.
The side will now face hosts Portugal in the final, which will be no easy feat despite the immense progress the Oceania side has made.
“Portugal are favourites, especially as they will have the backing of the home fans, although I know that many people in Espinho have taken our team into their hearts.”
Exhibiting an effective and unique style of play, Tahiti have dealt with disciplinary issues admirably and impressed with the quality of their set pieces. Indeed, two of their goals against the Azzurri, who boasted the best defensive record prior to the semi-final clash, came from dead-ball strikes.
The only major worry the islanders appear to have is who to bring in to replace Naea Bennett, who scored twice against the Italians but will not be available on Sunday for religious reasons.
Adding to the historic occasion is three players being included on the shortlist for the Golden Ball and Golden Glove.
2013 Bronze Ball recipient Raimana Li Fung Kuee has been joined on the Golden Ball shortlist by teammate Heimanu Taiarui, while Jonathan Torohia is on the Golden Glove list.

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