We concluded our regular Thursday futsal matches at Niagara Park with a mini World Cup format. The teams were Brazil, Spain, Italy and Columbia – the last four in the 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup.
To create an even spread of players we decided to pick names out of a hat. I selected the captains for each country, not only because they deserved some recognition for their efforts but also for some type of connection with the country. The captains were:
Brazil – Roxana – Spent six months in Brazil, playing street and beach soccer!
Spain – Justin – Plays a winger like a Spaniard with a wicked left foot strike!
Italy – Rommy – His heritage is Lebanese but his features resemble that of an Italian!
Columbia – Kevin – Columbian heritage!
Each of the captains then took turns picking names out of an envelope which made the draw an exciting event with cheers and jeers for friends and foes. The team colours were set and we had one night to rest and prepare for a round robin competition with a first versus second final for the winner’s medal.
I had backed Columbia as dark horses to take it out with Kevin leading Tyrone, Bailey, Anthony and Kim. The heavy favourites, though, were Italy with Rommy leading Liam, Kyle, Will, Daniel Flack and Darcy. The Spanish were strong contenders with Justin leading Leon, Daniel Burwood, Noah, Jakob, Cassie and PJ. The Brazilians were quietly confident, especially with the inspirational leadership from Roxana, leading Sidney, Alex, Lachlan, Blake and Tennille.
The competition was a huge success with all teams showing a lot of passion, very little tension and a great deal of motivation to be the winners. The results were great with Italy and Brazil into the final. Italy had won all their group games and Brazil had fought their way through some tough games. Spain and Columbia fought out the third and fourth place final with Spain winning, leaving Columbia slightly unhappy.
In typical Brazilian flair the yellow team overcame the odds to beat Italy in a thrilling final that entertained Lauren and I for the whole six minute match. The Brazilians were overjoyed with their achievement and the Italians were gracious losers who showed some excellent skill to make it to the final.
The group’s Futsal mini World Cup proved to be an exciting and fruitful event with the friendships of the entire group shining through on the bus back to college. It was a fitting end to a productive college term.
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