The Big Issue

By Finn Bradshaw

DAY two of the 2008 Homeless World Cup saw the Australian men’s and women’s teams notch their first victories of the tournament and two 15-goal hauls.

The Street Socceroos sent the capacity crowd wild at Federation Square Stadium in the afternoon with victory over Rwanda, 4-3. In a thrilling match, former jockey Stephen Maloney snatched victory for the home team with a strike in the final minute.

The Australian women’s team had an equally heart-stopping win over Cameroon, winning in a penalty shoot-out.

It was a tremendous performance from the team which was hastily formed on Saturday when the Ivory Coast withdrew from the tournament.

The Australian keeper iced the win with a great save in the shoot-out after the match had ended 3-3 after regulation.

Portugal beat the Street Socceroos 3-2 in the second last match of the day to remain unbeaten and on top of their group.

In some of the big results of the day, Brazil put 15 goals Argentina, as did Afghanistan against Belgium.

One of the emerging stars of the tournament is South African keeper Petros Nikoho, who pulled off some astonishing saves in his team’s win on penalties over Chile.

Join us at Federation Square and Birrarung Marr tomorrow when the action hots up as the teams battle to finish top of their first-round group.