Day of drama on the pitch at Homeless World Cup as teams show the power of taking part
|England players and coaches console Indonesia after their semi-final which saw them reaching the final for the first time since 2003.
Image: Anita Milas
More than a game. That’s the Homeless World Cup motto. And while 450 players from 38 countries are showing in Seoul how sport can change lives, the small matter of semi-finals took over the pitches at Hanyang University on the penultimate day of the 19th Homeless World Cup.
It’s 21 years since England last graced the men’s final at Homeless World Cup, reaching the final match in the first ever tournament in the Austrian city of Graz. They faced off against Indonesia, 12 years on from reaching the semis themselves in Mexico City.
Only one of them could make it the final two in Korea, and the semi-final tie matched up to its significance. Indonesia took an early lead before the English pulled it back to level up the scores at half-time. England piled on the pressure after the whistle but their opponents scored after a quick break following a save by their keeper – evidence of the fast-paced nature of the football format at the Homeless World Cup.
The England players are all part of Street Soccer London, a programme with five sites around the capital which aims to improve wellbeing, confidence and opportunity, all through football-themed training and personal development for adults experiencing homelessness or exclusion.
One of the 500 registered players given a springboard by the charity is Cobey Stickland. Five thousand miles away from those London pitches in Seoul, he levelled the scores before Indonesia turned up the heat and took the lead again. But England weren’t to be denied, Gago Banak equalising before two goals from Yassin Mohammed and one from Mikiale Tsegay sent England into dreamland- and a final on Saturday. That final will be available free view, like all games, on FIFA+ at 16.40 Korean time, 08.40 UK time and 01.40 in Mexico.
Despite the celebrations, England players and manager Craig McManus and coach Frankie Juma showed the true spirit of the Homeless World Cup by consoling the disconsolate Indonesians.
|Image: Angelica Ibarra Rodriguez
They’ll play four-time champions Mexico. The men in green were pushed hard by Lithuania but ran out 7-5 winners, the Mexican fans leading a chorus around the pitch as the yellow, green and red flag of the Lithuanians waved proudly.
Egypt did everything they could to make sure it wasn’t a Mexican double in the finals, taking a three-nil lead in the first women’s semi-final. But Mexico didn’t become eight times women champions by rolling over. A spirited second half display saw them win 7-4 and tomorrow they’ll look to add a ninth title to the trophy cabinet.
Romania have made it to the semis in both of the past two tournaments, finishing third in Sacramento and Cardiff but not quite making it to the showpiece final. They’ll go at least one place better in Seoul, edging a thrilling semi against Poland 3-2 to cause scenes of unbridled joy among their players on the final whistle. FIFA+ is the place to watch the women’s final too at 16.10 Korean time, 10.10 Romanian time and 01.10 in Mexico.
|Image: Angelica Ibarra Rodriguez
But the competition at the Homeless World Cup isn’t only about the top trophy. Teams play to the final day for the chance to pick up a series of silverware. In the men’s side tomorrow, finals between Brazil v South Africa, Bulgaria v India, Zimbabwe v Denmark and Germany v Japan will all end with trophy winners.
In the women’s tournament, USA will take on Ireland for the second trophy. New Yorker Reed Fox is a Homeless World Cup stalwart, Seoul marking his fifth tournament leading the American team as director of Street Soccer USA. Despite coming up short in the quarters, his gang marked their highest Homeless World Cup finish ever. He said: “Our manager booked our flights home for early afternoon on Saturday, not anticipating a deep run in the tournament. We had the airline on speed-dial in case we made it past England in the quarters.
“Regardless of the result, this week has been a game-changer for our players. It’s the first time many of them have left their home country and Seoul can be a springboard to a brighter future. That’s what Street Soccer USA is all about. The work continues as I go back to set up a new chapter in San Diego, making more of a difference to people’s lives through football.”
And whoever picks up the cups tomorrow, that’s what the Homeless World Cup is all about.
Words: Daniel Tyte
Images: Anita Milas / Angelica Ibarra Rodriguez