Strikers Abdul Raziq, Aurangzeb Baba and Mehr Ali remained prominent throughout the tournament, while goal-keeper Sameer Ahmed proved formidable for the opponents. PHOTO: FILE AFP
Pakistan celebrated their participation in the Street Child World Cup 2014 despite their semi-final defeat to Burundi 4-3 at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Before the loss, Pakistan were undefeated in the entire tournament and topped Group Three with three wins and one draw, scoring 19 goals in group stages.
They will now play the match for third-place against the US, who were thumped 6-1 by Tanzania. According to the Azad Foundation official, who accompanied the team, the Pakistani players gave an aura of dignity even after losing the match.
“Our players have made us proud,” the official told The Express Tribune. “We were leading 3-1 at the interval, but Burundi made a strong comeback in the second half. We never expected these children to be so dignified in defeat. “They congratulated the Burundi team with true sportsman’s spirit and even joined them for the victory lap in the stadium. It was a heartening spectacle.”
‘It’s a football revolution for Pakistan’
Back home in Pakistan, former national football captain Essa Khan, who was also part of the national team during the 2008 Fifa World Cup qualifiers, said that the Street Child World Cup Footballers have revolutionised Pakistan football.
“The achievement of these children is a revelation for Pakistan football,” said Essa. “They did what we couldn’t. They have sent out a very strong message to the world.”
He went on to appreciate the team’s coaches as well.
“I know it is a seven-a-side tournament, but the talent required for football is still the same. I’m extremely happy that these children have performed well, considering they prepared for the event in limited time without any notable coaches.”
“It’s a lesson for the football community in Pakistan, who didn’t support these children before,” concluded Essa.
Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Jaffar Khan also said that the players have changed the landscape of Pakistan football with their performance.
“They played well,” said Jaffar. “Even though they lost to Burundi, they put up a good fight and that matters the most.”
Published in The Express Tribune, April 6th, 2014.
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COMMENTS (8)
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Congratulations to all the nation and our great heroes...! We feel proud to stand among the leading football nations of the World...
Subhaanallah, Alhamdulillah, Mashaallah, being a Pakistani football lover it is a dream for me which unbelievably came true. I salute all of you and thank you from the bottom of my heart. Jazakallah.
Its Liyari, they prove they are star
Hey ET: Stop publishing such encouraging reports. You need to tell the world how poor our ranking is in the Fifa charts. Afterall, this is what increases your rating... No??
Very well done, You made us proud. Thanks
Oh God strange media, u know these boz played very well we were almost wining the match but i feel they got some nervous as media people were calling them and try to talk such things make great impact on children brain, even Governor called them, After I wonder how children could focus??, they lost just they were thinking else as they were child I blame stupid media people to calling them in , in first half they were wining by 3:1 . First no body give appreciation but in the middle of event people start to contact them. What our media could do only let onair the live matches but they did not. And media should wait untill they finished all the games.
well done boys! you have made us proud.
http://streetchildworldcup.org/rio-2014/boys-tournament/ this page will show the raw talent we have. there is noo support from government latter on. India lost to Pakistan 13 goals to nil, Kenya a football neriched country defeated by pakistani kids 2 goals to nil, we draw a match with USA 1-1, defeated Mauritius by 3 to nil, defeated Philippine in quarters 4 to 3 (on penalties), but got defeated by Burundi in Semis by 4 goals to 3 (again a close finish). Now for 3rd and 4th position we these Pakistani kids going to face USA. Remember most of them are from Makran and u just need to put some attention and u will be having world class football team in next 1 to 2 decades. Govt. should pay attention on sports engage kids in healthy activities and through this they will remain away from criminal activities (drugs, suicide bombing etc.). But the issue is that we do not have visionary leadership they do not know hoe to tackle the issues pertaining to youth. I am always sad whenever I see the waste of such an immense talent in Pakistan.