Full name Ernest Tapai 1985–1989 Footscray JUST Place of birth Perth, Australia Name Ernie Tapai | Playing position Role Footballer Years Team Position Midfielder | |
Date of birth (1967-02-14) 14 February 1967 (age 48) | ||
The locker room with ernie tapai s02e12
Ernie Tapai (born 14 February 1967) is a former Australian footballer who played for Stoke City.
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Club career
Playing as a midfielder, Tapai debuted with Footscray JUST at age 18 in the National Soccer League. After playing with Sunshine George Cross and Adelaide City Tapai moved to Europe to play for English side Stoke City. He never got much of a chance at Stoke making just once appearance for the club which came as a substitute in a 2–2 with Crewe Alexandra in the Football League Trophy on 6 January 1993.
Tapai then signed with Portuguese club Estoril, participating in the 1993–94 Primeira Divisão season, where he scored his only goal against Benfica, but moved back to play in Australia. He went on to play for Gippsland Falcons and Perth Glory before playing for three years in Singapore with Home United and Clementi Khalsa and retired after the 2002 season with Westgate.
After ending his playing career Tapai went into coaching.
International career
Tapai played 52 games (37 'A' games) for the Australian national team between 1986 and 1998. He was part of the Australia squad that claimed 2nd place at the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup. Australian manager Terry Venables received criticism for bringing on Tapai in the 1997 World Cup Qualifier against Iran. Australia needed a goal and Tapai was not the man many viewed as being a viable attacking option.