Spain won by a landslide as expected but Tahiti emerged with their reputations enhanced and their dignity intact despite their 10-0 loss to the World and European Champions in the Confederations Cup on Thursday.
Fernando Torres scored four times, and missed a penalty, David Villa hit three, David Silva two and Juan Mata one as Spain scored double figures for the third time in their history.
The outcome of one of the most unlikely matches to take place in a senior FIFA competition was never in doubt and even Tahiti coach Eddy Etaeta said before the game his side’s chances of winning were “quite impossible”.
Despite the Group B hammering, Tahiti played some attractive attacking football against a second-string Spain side that still contained some of the biggest names in European soccer including Sergio Ramos and Pepe Reina.
Tahiti’s first meeting with European opposition was more of an occasion than a match in many respects, and the fans created a superb atmosphere in the newly refurbished Maracan.
They cheered every Tahiti pass and tackle and roundly booed Spain. Two of the loudest cheers were for two fine saves made by 20-year-old Tahiti goalkeeper Mikael Roche.
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