Ultra-minnows Tahiti revels in shock triumph
Source: AFP |
June 14, 2012, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
TAHITI'S football team is set to receive an ecstatic welcome home after the Pacific territory's greatest sporting triumph, a shock win in the Oceania Nations Cup.
The victory guarantees the Tahitian amateurs a spot at next year's Confederations Cup alongside footballing superpowers such as host nation Brazil, world champion Spain and South American title-holder Uruguay.
Tahiti's Toa Aito, or Iron Warriors, went into the Oceania Nations Cup as underdogs ranked 179th in the world, but cut a swathe through the opposition to become the first Pacific island team to lift the trophy.
"We're super proud, we could perhaps play Spain or Brazil, it's too good," said young fan Vetea.
The Oceania Nations Cup has long been dominated by New Zealand and Australia, the latter making the switch to Asia in 2006. The surprise victory in the Solomon Islands also keeps alive Tahiti's dream of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The victory guarantees the Tahitian amateurs a spot at next year's Confederations Cup alongside footballing superpowers such as host nation Brazil, world champion Spain and South American title-holder Uruguay.
Tahiti's Toa Aito, or Iron Warriors, went into the Oceania Nations Cup as underdogs ranked 179th in the world, but cut a swathe through the opposition to become the first Pacific island team to lift the trophy.
"We're super proud, we could perhaps play Spain or Brazil, it's too good," said young fan Vetea.
The Oceania Nations Cup has long been dominated by New Zealand and Australia, the latter making the switch to Asia in 2006. The surprise victory in the Solomon Islands also keeps alive Tahiti's dream of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
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