The roar of "Tahiti" from 20,000 fans was as inspiring as it was unsettling for a group of footballers who struggle to attract 100 fans to their matches usually.
Never before had they played in front of such a big crowd. Never before had they even made it to an international football tournament watched by millions around the world.
But this was the tiny island paradise of Tahiti, more accustomed to the isolation of the Pacific Ocean, taking on Nigeria at the Confederations Cup.
The record books will show a 6-1 drubbing by Nigeria, the four-time World Cup participants ranked 31 in the FIFA rankings that have Tahiti at 138.
But in the Mineirao Stadium, Tahiti not only avoided humiliation by scoring that single goal but provided moments of menace to trouble the African champions.
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