Two time FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup runners-up Tahiti are remaining confident of their chances after a crushing defeat by Italy in the opening match of this year's tournament in Paraguay.
Tahiti were beaten 12 - 4 by Italy in the opening match of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Paraguay. Photo: FIFA/Getty Images
In Friday's game, the Tiki Toa team were humbled 12-4 by Italy, who had only placed fourth at the last world cup.
"It's a little bit difficult to accept the result," said Tiki Toa head coach Naea Bennett, adding that the team will need to win its next two games in order to qualifer for the quarter finals. "We will prepare those games seriously."
The Tiki Toa's next match is against Mexico on Saturday at 4.15pm in Asuncion, which is 8.15am on Sunday in New Zealand.
"We are confident for tomorrow," Mr Bennett said in an interview ahead of the Mexico match.