AFTER ten days of soccer action at the Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara the Oceania Nations Cup competition has finally come to an end.
And the winner is Tahiti.
They are OFC Nations Cup 2012 champions and have qualified for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.
This is a huge achievement for this French Polynesian team who become the only undefeated team in this tournament.
Credit must go to them for their hard work and spirit in playing their hearts out for their country.
The tournament had brought about high standard of soccer to our shores which enable local soccer fans to witness the various pacific island countries coming out to play here.
As a host nation, its been an honour thanks to Oceania Football Federation (OFC) for the opportunity.
The tournament has been trouble free thanks to the spectators.
The competition also saw mixed results with the most disappointing one – the loss by the New Zealand All Whites to New Caledonia 2-0.
All Whites represented the Oceania in the last World Cup in South Africa and has been a favourite to win this tournament.
But on Friday, it was disappointing for the All Whites.
As for the host country, the Bonitos kicked off its campaign to a good start with a win over Papua New Guinea.
Then it draw nil all with Fiji.
On Wednesday it created history by holding New Zealand to a one all draw.
Despite going down to strong Tahiti side on Friday in the first semi-final, the Bonitos have done their best.
New Caledonia team had also displayed good soccer standard which really for the local fans excited to watch them.
Credit must also go to them.
Tahiti have shown throughout the competition that they are the best teamt having worked very hard and they deserve the win after all.
Congratulations to them and no doubt soccer fans back in Tahiti are in wild celebrations as of last night.
As for the other three teams they will still have the opportunity to engage in the third and final round of Oceania World Cup qualifying in September.
This will involve a home and away matches between the semifinalists from the Nations Cup.
Good luck on that.
As the tournament ends successfully yesterday no doubt the host nation is really proud to host this competition.
Tagio tumas everi wan.
