Tahiti thumped in Confederations Cup warm-up

Minnows Tahiti suffered a humiliating defeat ahead of the Confederations Cup when they lost 7-0 to the Chile under-20 side in the Chilean city of Chillan on Tuesday night.

The Manchester United striker Angelo Henriquez netted a hat-trick for the Chileans, who are preparing for this summer’s under-20 World Cup in Turkey.

“They are the South American champions at under-20 level and, in my opinion, will make a strong impression at the under-20 World Cup,” said Tahiti coach Eddy Etaeta.

“I really hope this defeat will act as a trigger for us and that we will react to this spanking.”

The Pacific Islanders earned a place at this month’s Confederations Cup in Brazil thanks to their victory in last year’s Oceania Cup of Nations.

They will face reigning European and world champions Spain, African champions Nigeria and 2011 Copa America winners Uruguay in Group B at the Confederations Cup.

It is by far the biggest sporting event for which a national team from Tahiti has qualified.

The under-20 football team did reach the Under-20 World Cup in Egypt in 2009, but they finished bottom of their four-team pool after conceding 21 unanswered goals in a group that coincidentally contained teams from Nigeria and Spain.