Heimanu Taiarui has headlined some heroic performances from the Warrior Gods. He scored twice in Tahiti’s 6-1 win over Argentina, in front a euphoric crowd in Papeete, in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup™ quarter-finals in 2013. He was on target in normal time and the shootout as they reached the Portugal 2015 final. He thrived in the Pacific Islanders’ stunning upset of IR Iran in the Bahamas 2017 semi-finals.

Yet he ranks today’s 4-3 win over Argentina as one of his favourites – and he didn’t even make the score-sheet.

“It’s up there with the best of them,” he told FIFA. “We didn’t expect this. Argentina are an outstanding side. They have been in such good form. To be behind and to beat a team like Argentina feels amazing.”

Central to Tahiti’s success was three goals coming from bicycle kicks.

“We practice them all the time,” explained Taiarui. “We have players who are specialists at this. It’s one of our strong points. You saw that today.

“Today we scored three. It’s not often you score three bicycle kicks it the World Cup, against a team like Argentina. Credit to the boys. Incredible goals.

“Beach soccer is crazy. It’s so fun to watch. You see bicycle kicks, other spectacular goals. You always see teams coming from behind and winning. Argentina almost did that to us at the end. I think it was a great spectacle for the spectators. Thankfully we won.”

That victory was indebted to Jonathan Torohia, the firefighter who was named the Best Men’s Goalkeeper in 2015 and, judging by his Player-of-the-Match performance, is still at the peak of his powers.

“Jo is amazing,” said Taiarui. “It’s funny because we just expect all those saves from him nowadays. He always comes up with big saves at big moments. He gives you a chance of beating any team. We’re all very grateful to have him.”