BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil: Tahiti coach Eddy Etaeta embraced some of the old Olympic spirit of just taking part after his side made their debut in a major international tournament with a 6-1 loss to Nigeria at the Confederations Cup on Monday.
There was never much doubt the African champions would beat the South Pacific amateurs who qualified as Oceania champions and did their confederation proud by playing well, scoring a goal and winning the hearts of the Brazilian crowd.
“We may be amateurs but we have approached this like professionals, we have worked like professionals and just to take part and be here today was something very special,” Etaeta said.
“Normally we just watch big events like the World Cup and the Olympic Games on TV but today we were here, actors on the stage in an important match in an important tournament.
“When the national anthem was played I just felt it in my heart, I thought I was going to cry I was so proud. “
The cheers were loudest for Tahiti’s only professional, Marama Vahirua and for Jonathan Tehau, who scored Tahiti’s goal from a header early in the second half.
Tehau, who works as a delivery driver, said he was staggered by the crowd cheering for his team.
“The Brazilian fans were amazing, and of course I was delighted to score, but the goal was not just because of me, it was because of team work,” Tehau said.
Tahiti were exposed in defence and Etaeta said they would need to be “more mature and stronger” when they play world champions Spain tomorrow.
“No matter what happens against Spain and Uruguay we are here,” Etaeta said.
“When we left Tahiti to be honest it was not such a big deal for the public.
“But I have just heard the Government stopped a cabinet meeting to watch the match on TV and now everyone is talking about us.” REUTERS
