By Steven Oldham
Confederations Cup debutants Tahiti are 3-0 down to Nigeria as I write this, but their play in the first half of the Group B match has been a pleasant surprise.
It is no surprise to see Nigeria comfortably in front at half time but it could and should've been more. Tahiti have played their part in the smaller number of goals by playing some positive attacking football.
I was fully expecting to see them park the bus in all three games - to see them pushing forwards and pressurising the African champions was an unlikely but welcome sight. Nigeria are probably only running at 80% but by no means are mauling the islanders as widely predicted before the match.
The undoubted star of the first half has been Steevy Chong Hue. The AS Dragon striker came so close to scoring an unlikely goal on the stroke of half time and all of Tahiti's good play involved him. The rest of the team seem to know this and are aiming plenty of balls in his direction.
Nigeria on the other hand are in cruise control. 3-0 probably won't satisfy their coach, fans and could possibly decide whether or not they progress from the group stages. Goal difference could come into play to decide who makes the final four, and Spain and Uruguay will be confident of knocking more past the OFC Nations Cup champions.
Follow @spoldham on Twitter
Stockport-based NCTJ trained journalist. Seeking relevant employment. Blogging and working in the mean time. Football. F1. Tennis. Olympic sports. Firm believer that minority sports deserve year-round coverage.
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