The Tiki Toa, who won the OFC Beach Soccer Nations Cup last year as hosts, are looking to go one better than their runner-up finishes in both 2015 and 2017. Photo: OCF
Tahiti kicked off their 2024 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup campaign in Dubai with a 4-3 win over Argentina early on Friday morning (New Zealand time).
Herauarii Salem scored a double while Raimana Li Fung and Roonuo Tinirauaari claimed a goal each.
The win gives them the lead in Group B with three points after pool opponents Spain and Iran played to a 6-all draw.
The Tiki Toa, who won the OFC Beach Soccer Nations Cup last year as hosts, are looking to go one better than their runner-up finishes in both 2015 and 2017.
OFC media said the win was the perfect start at the Dubai Design District Stadium, recovering from an early Argentina goal to race into a 4-1 lead, before holding off their opponents to clinch a 4-3 victory.
With Iran overcoming Spain in Group B's other fixture in a penalty shoot-out, Tahiti have already established a two point buffer as they seek to secure qualification to the knockout stage.
Two goals from Salem - such an influential presence in his side's qualification victory last year - was the key for Tahiti, with one apiece for team mates Li Fung Kuee and Tinirauarii leaving Argentina with too much to do as they fought to find a way back.
Next up for the defending OFC champions in the early hours of Sunday morning (NZT) is Spain, who will be looking to recover from their opening match defeat to Iran.
They then face Iran in their last pool match on Monday morning.