Tahiti is one of the world's most remote islands with a population of only 178,000.
Did you know they had a national football team? Well I didn't. I didn't even know where they were situated on the map. My idea of Tahiti is the group of huts in the middle of crystal ocean water.
BRIEF HISTORY
The Tahiti national football team was formed in 1938, but only joined the Oceania Football Confederation and FIFA over fifty years later, and represents the country of French Polynesia.
The first game Tahiti played was a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in 1952. Tahiti have lost 10-0 twice, against New Zealand and Spain. Their biggest win was an unbelievable 30-0 win over the Cook Islands.
Tahiti first entered the World Cup in time for the 1994 edition where they did not qualify. However, they have entered every other World Cup but are yet to qualify.
OCEANIA NATIONS CUP
Although history suggested that Tahiti would struggle to make the semi-finals of the Nations Cup, the team managed to win the competition.
FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP 2013
There is only one professional player in the squad - Marama Vahirua. The striker, who is currently at Greek club Panthrakikos, is the only Tahitian to ever play professionally outside the island.
"Everything is rather new, I have never lived this before,'' Vahirua said through a translator at a news conference attended by only two reporters from Tahiti. "I have never been at such a tournament. It will be a very first time for me as well. I will try not to be shy.''
According to Tahiti coach Eddie Etaeta, of the 23 players, nine are unemployed, while others have day jobs as delivery boys, truck drivers, physical education teachers and accountants.
"I don't feel at ease because it's not what we are used to at home,'' Etaeta said. "When I got here and saw this huge stadium I felt a bit cold. It's a stadium loaded with history ... In the dressing room I was really astonished to see these huge lockers.''
"Today the star is Tahiti,'' Etaeta said. "I'm proud the whole of media looks to Tahiti ... and we will try to draw lessons so we can improve our football.''
Highlights of the Tournament
Tahiti (138) was the lowest ranked team. They seemed afraid to take shots from long distance and failed to time their passes accurately.
Tahiti scored 2 own goals, allowed 24 goals into their net, and lost; Nigeria 6-1 Tahiti, Spain 10-0 Tahiti and Uruguay 8-0 Tahiti.
Tahiti lost all 3 of their group matches, while giving away 4 hat-tricks.
Tahiti rotated all three of their goalkeepers (Samin, Roche and Meriel).
Ludivion received a second yellow card against Uruguay and was sent off.
The Tahitian footballers thanked the fans for their support after their defeat to Uruguay.
However, they leave the tournament with $1.7 million.
