Courtesy: The Marlborough Express


World Cup fever hits Marlborough

By David Dawkins

08/06/2010

While Brazil will be gunning for their sixth Fifa World Cup title in South Africa this month Marlborough's Brazilian community received an early reason to celebrate yesterday with their side claiming the inaugural Marlborough World Cup Warmup futsal tournament at Marlborough Lines Stadium.

Twelve teams from nine different countries turned out for the indoor football event organised by the Marlborough Sports Academy and Marlborough Migrant Centre with Brazil beating Fiji 2-1 in the final.

However, tournament organiser Gareth Archer said the day was as much about the face-painted and horn-tooting fans as the players.

"There was a really bubbling atmosphere. The fans and supporters really made the day with all their noise," Mr Archer said.

Highlights of the day included the Brazil v Chile clash with half the stadium supporting Brazil and the other half Chile and the final, where the court was mobbed by Brazilian supporters after their side held off a late Fijian rally.

Mr Archer was also pleased to receive several late entries including an enthusiastic Vanuatu team.

He said the tournament attracted New Zealand Football's interest with futsal development manager Dave Payne offering balls, goals and coaching DVDs.

Mr Archer said the aim was now to start a regular futsal league in Blenheim.

Three New Zealand sides – the "All Whites", New Zealand Maori and Somali Pirates – entered the tournament but were unable to qualify for knockout play.

Hopefully that's not a sign of the All Whites' 2010 Fifa World Cup fate.


Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com