Tahiti national football team

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Tahiti
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)Toa Aito (Les guerriers de fer; Iron Warriors)
AssociationTahitian Football Federation
ConfederationOFC (Oceania)
Head coachSamuel Garcia[1]
CaptainTeaonui Tehau
Most capsTeaonui Tehau (39)
Top scorerTeaonui Tehau (27)
Home stadiumStade Pater Te Hono Nui
FIFA codeTAH
First colours
Second colours
1973)
Best resultChampions, 2012
FIFA Confederations Cup
Appearances1 (first in 2013)
Best resultGroup stage, 2013

The Tahiti men's national football team (

Fédération Tahitienne de Football. The team consists of a selection of players from French Polynesia, not just Tahiti, and has competed in the Oceania Football Confederation
(OFC) since 1990.

Tahiti is traditionally one of the stronger footballing nations of the

to win the competition.

History

Tahiti played its first full match on 21 September 1952, at home against New Zealand, drawing 2–2. Seven days later, the two teams played again and New Zealand won 5–3. On 30 September, they played each other for a third time, and Tahiti gained its first victory, by 2–0. However, it is unknown whether this was a full international match.[8]

In September 1953, Tahiti played three matches in New Caledonia against its national side, losing the first 5–0 and the later two 4–1. They then travelled to the New Hebrides (now Vanuatu) and beat its national side 4–2 twice. In 1969, touring World Champions England beat Tahiti 4–1 in an exhibition match.[9] In 1989, under the leadership of Napoleon Spitz, the official federation was created.

Tahiti entered its first World Cup qualification with the aim of reaching the

Australia and the Solomon Islands, and played their first match away to the Solomon Islands in Honiara on 11 July 1992. Eric Etaeta equalised for Tahiti to make it 1–1 in the 76th minute. On 11 September, Tahiti hosted Australia in Papeete and lost 3–0. The next fixture was again against Australia, and resulted in a 2–0 away defeat in Brisbane
on 20 September. On 9 October, in Papeete, Tahiti defeated the Solomon Islands 4–2. Tahiti's first goal was scored as an 8th-minute penalty from Reynald Temarii, a politician and current president of the OFC. However, Tahiti finished second to Australia in the group and did not advance.

2012 OFC Nations Cup

In

Papua New Guinea and Samoa (winner of the qualifying tournament) playing the competition. Tahiti defeated New Caledonia in the final in Lawson Tama Stadium 1–0 with a goal by Steevy Chong Hue and became the first team other than Australia (no longer part of OFC) and New Zealand to be crowned Oceania champions.[10]

2013 Confederations Cup

By winning the 2012 OFC Nations Cup, Tahiti qualified for the 2013 Confederations Cup, held in Brazil, for the first time.[11] Tahiti is the first – and, following the tournament's abolition, only – team which participated in the Confederations Cup but has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup. On 17 June 2013, Tahiti lost 1–6 to Nigeria in the 2013 Confederations Cup in Belo Horizonte, with Jonathan Tehau scoring the goal for Tahiti in the second half with a header from a corner; Tahiti fans still rejoiced in the prospect of scoring a goal in an international tournament.[12] On 20 June, Tahiti lost 10–0 against Spain to equal their largest ever loss against New Zealand nine years earlier.[13] On 23 June 2013, Tahiti was beaten 8–0 by Uruguay.[14]

In all, Tahiti conceded 24 goals and scored 1 to end with a goal differential of −23, the worst of any national team in any major competition.

underdog qualities gathered significant respect from the people of Brazil, who always cheered for them in every match.[16] Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque, and strikers Fernando Torres and David Villa – who scored four and three goals respectively against Tahiti – complimented the team's fair play.[17]

2022 FIFA World Cup qualification (OFC)

After two matches canceled due to COVID-19, the Tahitians have finally returned to the qualifying tournament for the World Cup in Qatar. Unfortunately, the Toa Aito couldn't beat Solomon Islands and finished second in Group A. Solomon Islands led in the score in the 20th minute, the Tahitians came back into the match thanks to Alvin Tehau's equalizer in the 26th minute. Solomon Islands then made the difference on the return from the half on a lightning counterattack before taking the lead more widely at the end of the match 1–3.[18]

Rivalries

A historical sporting rivalry exists between the two French Pacific overseas collectivities, Tahiti and

South Pacific Games, 2 at the South Pacific mini-games, against 6 gold at the South Pacific Games for New Caledonia). As of their last match in 2018, out of the 62 matches played since 1953, the New Caledonia has 28 wins against 25 for Tahiti and 9 draws.[19]

Team image

Kit sponsorship

Kit lier Period
Germany Adidas 2000–2003
Italy Lotto 2004–2012
Nike
2013–2021
Italy Macron 2022–2023
Puma
2024-

Results and fixtures

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Loss   Fixture

2023

20 March Friendly Tahiti  0–2  New Caledonia Pirae, Tahiti
20:00 UTC−10 Report
Stadium: Stade Pater Te Hono Nui
23 March Friendly Tahiti  2–1  New Caledonia Pirae, Tahiti
Stadium: Stade Pater Te Hono Nui
28 August Friendly Tahiti  9–1  Cook Islands Pirae, Tahiti
20:00 UTC−10
Report
Stadium: Stade Pater Te Hono Nui

2024

Coaching history

Players

Current squad

The following players were called up for the 2023 Pacific Games.[20]

Caps and goals correct as of 1 September 2023, after the match against  Cook Islands.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Tevaearai Tamatai (2001-01-15) 15 January 2001 (age 23) 0 0 French Polynesia Vénus
16 1GK Teave Teamotuaitau (1992-04-17) 17 April 1992 (age 31) 11 0 French Polynesia Vénus
23 1GK Moana Pito (2000-01-25) 25 January 2000 (age 24) 2 0 French Polynesia Tefana

2 2DF Mauri Heitaa (1999-07-31) 31 July 1999 (age 24) 1 0 French Polynesia Vénus
3 2DF Téva Lossec (2002-12-03) 3 December 2002 (age 21) 0 0 United States Campbell Fighting Camels
5 2DF François Hapipi (1999-03-10) 10 March 1999 (age 25) 4 0 French Polynesia Tefana
7 2DF Marama Amau (1991-01-13) 13 January 1991 (age 33) 10 0 French Polynesia Vénus
18 2DF Terai Bremond (2001-05-16) 16 May 2001 (age 22) 4 0 French Polynesia Vénus
19 2DF Keanu Vernaudon (2002-10-18) 18 October 2002 (age 21) 0 0 French Polynesia Tefana

4 3MF Kavai'ei Morgant (2001-10-08) 8 October 2001 (age 22) 3 1 French Polynesia Tefana
8 3MF Roonui Tehau (1999-12-15) 15 December 1999 (age 24) 6 1 French Polynesia Vénus
9 3MF Tauhiti Keck (1994-08-01) 1 August 1994 (age 29) 10 6 French Polynesia Vénus
13 3MF Honoura Maraetefau (2002-07-27) 27 July 2002 (age 21) 3 0 French Polynesia Tefana
14 3MF Frank Papaura (2005-04-06) 6 April 2005 (age 18) 1 0 French Polynesia Pueu
17 3MF Paolo Hausner (2002-02-21) 21 February 2002 (age 22) 0 0 France FCM Troyes
20 3MF Eddy Kaspard (2001-05-27) 27 May 2001 (age 22) 4 2 French Polynesia Tefana
21 3MF Matéo Degrumelle (2003-08-22) 22 August 2003 (age 20) 0 0 France Le Havre B

6 4FW Manuarii Shan (2004-02-23) 23 February 2004 (age 20) 1 0 French Polynesia Vénus
10 4FW Teaonui Tehau (1992-09-01) 1 September 1992 (age 31) 36 24 French Polynesia Vénus
11 4FW Roonui Tinirauarii (1997-03-14) 14 March 1997 (age 27) 3 2 French Polynesia Dragon
12 4FW Raimana Tetuanui (1994-01-01) 1 January 1994 (age 30) 2 0 French Polynesia Pueu
15 4FW Tauatua Lucas (1994-11-23) 23 November 1994 (age 29) 2 0 French Polynesia Tefana

Recent call-ups

The following players have been called up to the Tahiti squad within the last twelve months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Anapa Debruyne (2003-09-22) 22 September 2003 (age 20) 0 0 French Polynesia Dragon v.  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023

DF Matatia Paama (1992-10-03) 3 October 1992 (age 31) 15 1 French Polynesia Pirae v.  Cook Islands; 1 September 2023
DF Kévin Barbe (1997-09-02) 2 September 1997 (age 26) 10 1 French Polynesia Vénus v.  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023
DF Taumihau Tiatia (1991-07-25) 25 July 1991 (age 32) 7 0 French Polynesia Pirae v.  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023
DF Hennel Tehaamoana (1999-04-12) 12 April 1999 (age 24) 2 0 Free agent v.  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023
DF Tevaitini Teumere (2003-04-02) 2 April 2003 (age 20) 2 0 French Polynesia Pirae v.  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023
DF Tevaihau Tehuritaua (1990-03-04) 4 March 1990 (age 34) 0 0 French Polynesia Dragon v.  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023
DF Teiki Vaea (1995-09-01) 1 September 1995 (age 28) 0 0 French Polynesia Dragon v.  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023

MF Louis Gitton (2002-04-02) 2 April 2002 (age 21) 5 1 French Polynesia Pirae v.  Cook Islands; 1 September 2023
MF Heimano Bourebare (1989-05-15) 15 May 1989 (age 34) 30 1 French Polynesia Pirae v.  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023
MF Tehauarii Holozet (2002-06-03) 3 June 2002 (age 21) 0 0 French Polynesia Tefana v.  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023
MF Ariiura Labaste (2002-07-26) 26 July 2002 (age 21) 0 0 French Polynesia Pirae v.  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023

FW Sandro Tau (1997-04-30) 30 April 1997 (age 26) 8 2 French Polynesia Pirae v.  Cook Islands; 1 September 2023
FW Benoit Mathon (1989-04-05) 5 April 1989 (age 34) 0 0 French Polynesia Pirae v.  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023

Player records

As of 30 November 2023[21]
Players in bold are still active with Tahiti.

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup FIFA World Cup qualification
Year Host Result Position Pld W D L F A Pld W D L F A
1930 to 1954 Did not exist Did not exist
1958 to 1990 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
1994  United States Did not qualify 4 1 1 2 5 8
1998  France 4 0 1 3 2 12
2002  South Korea
 Japan
4 3 0 1 14 6
2006  Germany 9 3 3 3 7 25
2010  South Africa 4 1 1 2 2 6
2014  Brazil 9 4 0 5 20 17
2018  Russia 7 3 2 2 14 7
2022  Qatar 2 0 0 2 1 4
2026  Canada
 Mexico
 United States
To be determined To be determined
2030  Morocco
 Portugal
 Spain
2034  Saudi Arabia
Total 0/8 43 15 8 20 65 85

FIFA Confederations Cup

FIFA Confederations Cup record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA
1992 to 1995 No OFC representative invited
1997 to 2009 Did not qualify
Brazil 2013 Group stage 8th 3 0 0 3 1 24
Russia 2017 Did not qualify
Total Group stage 1/10 3 0 0 3 1 24

OFC Nations Cup

Oceania Cup / OFC Nations Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pld W D L GF GA
1973
Runners-up
2nd 5 2 2 1 7 4 Squad No qualification
1980
Runners-up
2nd 4 3 0 1 23 9
Pacific Community 1996
Runners-up
2nd 4 2 0 2 3 12 Squad 3 3 0 0 10 1
Australia 1998 Fourth place 4th 4 1 0 3 8 10 Squad 4 4 0 0 27 1
French Polynesia 2000 Group stage 5th 2 0 0 2 2 5 Squad Qualified as host
New Zealand 2002 Third place 3rd 5 3 0 2 8 9 Squad Qualified automatically
Australia 2004 Group stage 5th 5 1 1 3 2 24 Squad 4 2 2 0 5 1
Pacific Community 2008 Did not qualify 4 1 1 2 2 6
Solomon Islands 2012
Champions
1st 5 5 0 0 20 5 Squad Qualified automatically
Papua New Guinea 2016 Group stage 5th 3 1 2 0 7 3 Squad
Vanuatu 2024 Qualifield
Total 1 Title 9/10 37 18 5 14 80 81 15 10 3 2 44 9

Head-to-head record

Honours

See also

Notes

References

  1. ^ "Sélection de Tahiti: Samuel Garcia est le nouvel entreineur". Fedération Tahitienne de Football. FTF. 21 May 2018. Archived from the original on 29 May 2019. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
  2. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA. 15 February 2024. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  3. ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 27 March 2024. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  4. ^ "Trophies in paradise". The Football Ramble. 2 October 2012. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
  5. ^ "Tahiti ready for Confederations Cup". The Scotsman. 9 June 2013. Archived from the original on 3 February 2020. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
  6. ^ "IN THE LAND OF GIANTS – Tahiti set for Confederations Cup adventure". Football Republik. 14 June 2013. Archived from the original on 24 November 2021. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  7. ^ "Tahiti national football team". Road To Brazil. Archived from the original on 5 July 2013. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  8. ^ "Tahiti International Matches". Rsssf.com. Archived from the original on 9 August 2022. Retrieved 23 June 2013.
  9. ^ "England's matches: unofficial 1946 onwards". England Football Online. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  10. ^ "Glorious Tahiti claim maiden Oceania crown". FIFA.com. FIFA. 10 June 2012. Archived from the original on 15 June 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2012.
  11. ^ "Proud Tahiti No1 aims to enjoy Brazil challenge". FIFA.com. FIFA. 14 March 2013. Archived from the original on 17 March 2013. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
  12. ^ "Nigeria 6−1 Tahiti". BBC Sport. BBC. 17 June 2013. Archived from the original on 23 June 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  13. ^ "Spain 10−0 Tahiti". BBC Sport. BBC. 20 June 2013. Archived from the original on 23 June 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  14. ^ "Uruguay 8−0 Tahiti". BBC Sport. BBC. 23 June 2013. Archived from the original on 23 June 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  15. ^ "FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 - Statistics - Teams - Top goals". FIFA.com. FIFA. 1 July 2013. Archived from the original on 22 September 2015. Retrieved 28 January 2018.
  16. ^ "Técnico confirma 'carisma' do Taiti e cumprimenta jornalistas na despedida". UOL Esporte (in Portuguese). 23 June 2013. Archived from the original on 25 June 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  17. Globo Esporte (in Portuguese). 21 June 2013. Archived
    from the original on 24 June 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  18. ^ "Qatar 2022 : Tahiti s'incline 3-1 face à Salomon". TNTV News. TNTV. 24 March 2022. Archived from the original on 24 March 2022. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  19. ^ "New Caledonia". Footballdatabase.eu. Archived from the original on 1 February 2022. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
  20. ^ "Final Squad". Facebook. Federation Tahitienne de Football.
  21. ^ "Tahiti". National Football Teams.

External links