Tahiti edge ambitious Madagascar

The penultimate match of the day brought together offense, defense, and goals

Tahiti were able to hold off newcomers Madagascar in a closely-contested 4-3 Group C match.

The Polynesian side went into their Portugal 2015 opener with confidence after a memorable fourth-place finish when they hosted the tournament in 2013. However, it took the Malagasy just over a minute to record their first-ever FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup™ goal when Damely scored.

Tina then caught the Tahitians off guard and gave the African champions a two-goal lead less than two minutes into the match. 

Soon the Oceanian side were back though and they were able to level the score to 3-3 at the end of an entertaining first period. 

Halfway into the second period, captain Naea Bennett put Tahiti ahead by converting a penalty kick and from then on the game went into a tight gridlock, with scarce clear opportunities and a rare span of almost 20 minutes without a goal, which led to the final 4-3 score.

(Source: FIFA.com)