The Big Issue

By George Thomson

DAY FIVE of the 2008 Homeless World Cup saw the end of the Secondary Group Stage, which determines which trophy each team will compete for over the final weekend.

The eight quarter finalists who will scrap it out for the Homeless World Cup trophy have now been decided, with Afghanistan the only team remaining unbeaten at the tournament. However, even their aura of invicibilty came under scrutiny on day five, as they laboured to narrow wins over France and Lithuania.

Elsewhere, hotly tipped Brazil scraped past their ancient rivals Portugal 2-1, while current holders Scotland hit form with a 7-3 win over hosts Australia. The Street Socceroos had a disappointing day results wise, but put in a memorable display against Poland.

England sneaked in through the back door, qualifying through a nerve-racking last minute win against Ukraine.

The eight quarter finalists are as follows: Afghanistan, Brazil, England, Ghana, Kenya, Russia, Scotland and Ukraine.

The final match of the day at Fed Square produced a Homeless World Cup classic. Trailing 6-0 to the USA at half time, New Zealand fought back valiantly to take the match to penalties. Find out who held their nerve here.

In the women’s tournament, Zambia continued their dominant run with wins over Australia and Colombia.