“What we take from this game is the example the Tahiti team, who played with 100 per cent passion and fair play until the end," said Torres.

“They try to play properly, they try to enjoy themselves. They don’t try to stop the game or kick players - they enjoy their football and that is the big thing we take from the game today.”

The Tahiti players and management staff exchanged friendship necklaces with the Spanish team before he game, and Torres was left humbled by the islander’s joy and passion, even after the 90 minutes.

“We were taking pictures with their players after the game. They are happy people and I really enjoyed seeing them smiling and enjoying themselves until the last minute,” said the Chelsea forward, who despite missing a penalty, scored four goals for the World and European champions.

Spanish coach Vincente Del Bosque re-iterated his striker’s thoughts, describing the Tahiti side as “noble opponents”.

“It was quite humbling to play against them," he said. “They were sporting, they played really fairly and every time they got the ball they tried to attack us.

“They were noble opponents. Of course the gap between professional and amateur football is huge but with the respect each team showed, I think football has been strengthened today and not weakened.”

Tahiti coach Eddy Etaeta admitted his side were the overwhelming underdogs in the David versus Goliath encounter, and was left disappointed at the manner in which his side leaked in so many goals.

“Of course we were never going to win, but some of the goals we conceded were a bit naive and we could have done better," Etaeta told reporters.

The Tahiti coach did take some positives out of the game, saying how the nation’s profile had been raised due to their appearance in the tournament.

“But we have won a major victory here by winning the hearts of the Brazilian public.

“I think its fair to say we are better known in Brazil than we are in Tahiti.

“I like to talk straight and we did not get much support when we left to come to a major competition like this and that was a major frustration. I hope we get some support when we get back.”

The coach dejectedly admitted his team would not be back in Brazil for the World Cup next year as they were unable to progress from their qualifying group.

However, he harbours hopes of future tournaments, hoping his players may earn professional contracts at clubs while help will raise the standard of football in Tahiti.

“We will improve if some of our players move to professional clubs overseas. Not the top clubs naturally, but if we had more professionals the game could improve at home, and who knows about the 2018 and 2022 World Cups,” said Etaeta.

Tahiti play their third and final group game against Uruguay in Recife on Sunday.