''Amateurs vs Professionals''
The South
Pacific minnows make their first appearance at a major tournament as they take
on African championss Nigeria in their Group B opener tonight in Belo
Horizonte.
 |
| Tahiti National Team |
Tahiti rank 138th
in the FIFA world rankings a position they share with Syria and one place above
Afghanistan. The country has a population of 178,000 totally in contrast to Nigeria's statistics.
"Of the 23 players we have, we have nine players who don't work, who
are practically unemployed," Tahiti coach Eddy Etaetahe told fifa.com at Sunday's
pre-game press onference. "Some are delivery men, some are PE
teachers, one works in accounting, and I also have a player who is a sports
coach.
"My defender (Teheivarii) Ludivion gets up every day at four o'clock in
the morning, puts on his shoes and spends all day working as a climber. Then,
at five o'clock, he comes to train with his football club."
Marama Vahirua, 33, is the only pro in the squad, he plies his trade
with French club Nancy but currently plays for Greek club Panthrakikos.
He added: "We won't have the same weapons, technically, tactically, and
physically, but tomorrow, we'll certainly have the heart and that's our weapon
- our heart and spirit."
If Tahiti win tonight, it will stun the entire football world.
1 comment:
These guys need no be thought some football lesson...Eagles all d way!!!
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