Tahiti have lost their opening match at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025™ in the Seychelles to tournament debutants Chile.
The two times runners-up almost came back to force extra-time, but fell 7-6 following a breathtaking encounter at The Paradise Arena in Victoria.
Heirauarii Salem was the main attacking force for Tahiti, scoring a hat-trick as the two teams traded the lead in a goal-laden opening two periods.
The competition newcomers Chile were energetic throughout and responded well to going behind in the first period, storming back to take a 7-4 lead that would ultimately be enough despite a late fightback from Teva Zaveroni’s men. Diego Opazo was the hero for Chile, with two goals, including a late overhead kick that would prove to be decisive.
Two third period strikes from Roonui Tinirauarii and Heimaru Terorotua respectively almost saw Tahiti draw level in the dying seconds, but Chile held on to secure a famous victory as they made a stunning impact in their first FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup™ outing.
Tahiti will now have two days to recover, as they look to rebound from a disappointing loss when they face Senegal on Sunday.
Chile: 7 (Andres ALBUERNO 09’14″/1P, Diego SAN MARTIN 04’37″/1P, Hector TOBAR 09’27″/2P, Daniel DURAN 06’37″/2P, Diego OPAZO 02’52″/2P, 02’39″/3P, Gabriel BACIAN 01’54″/2P)
Tahiti: 6 (Heirauarii SALEM 08’15″/1P, 08’15″/1P, 07’54″/2P, Roonui TINIRAUARII 06’17″/2P, 01’47″/3P, Heimaru TEROROTUA 01’21″/3P)
Photo Credit: Photo by Alex Grimm – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images