Street Child World Cup: Beaten but not broken
Pakistan lose to Burundi 4-3 in Street Child World Cup semi-final.
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
KARACHI:
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.
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.