The Big Issue

Africans, Aussies march on

By Matthew Price

AFRICAN and eastern European teams flexed their muscle, and the tournament saw a record 20-0 result on day three of the 2008 Homeless World Cup.

The day’s 49 matches brought the preliminary group stage to a conclusion, setting the stage for the secondary group stage, in which the tournament is split into two sections.

Four groups will play off for the Homeless World Cup, the Dignitary Cup and the City Cup (Melbourne) – while four groups will do battle for the Host Cup (The Big Issue), the Community Cup and the INSP Networking Cup.

2006 champions Russia are among the favourites for the Homeless World Cup itself, having finished their preliminary group unbeaten with a whopping 64 goals.

Russia’s own 007 left the crowd stirred, not shaken, during the side’s 18-6 win over Canada.

Next-door neighbours the Ukraine also topped their group, while Poland completed a strong east European showing in section one with a heated 5-3 win over Ethiopia.

Nigeria stormed to the top of its group with a 15-0 demolition of India, while African rivals Kenya did likewise despite being made to work hard by South Africa in a high-quality match at Fed Square.

Ireland and Portugal also won their respective preliminary groups, along with Afghanistan, who continue to dazzle their huge group of fans – this time with a win on penalties against Zimbabwe, following a scintillating 8-8 draw.

Australia also remains in the hunt for the Homeless World Cup, thanks to a superb 9-3 win over the Czech Republic. Forwards Stephen Maloney and Coen Slaughter were unstoppable

Join us at Federation Square and Birrarung Marr tomorrow as the secondary group stage gets underway, with the teams now gearing up for a tilt at the trophies.