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Afghanistan Crowned Champions

NikeGamechangers — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 02:42:13 GMT

A Hollywood director couldn't have scripted a more dramatic final match for the Homeless World Cup if he'd tried. Throughout the 14 minutes, Russia and Afghanistan traded goals with the Afghan goalkeeper making a fierce stand at the end to secure the victory for Afghanistan, 5-4.

With the skill and poise the Afghan team showed throughout the tournament, it was hard to believe that these players came from a country ravaged by war, where true soccer fields and sports programs are severely limited. But with the cheers from the crowd and the photographers shooting away, it was very easy to believe that the Afghans were champions.

The Homeless World Cup may be over for this year, but the soccer will continue as each team returns home determined to make 2009 their year.

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Homeless World Cup: Trophy Stage

NikeGamechangers — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 22:46:31 GMT

Everyone’s in the hunt now for one of the six Cups that are up for grabs. See who’s in it for what at www.homelessworldcup.org and watch the video to hear what makes the Homeless World Cup mean so much to so many.

What Fuels Their Fire

NikeGamechangers — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:20:39 GMT

Today, hear why these Homeless World Cup players lace up their cleats every day and what they’ve overcome to make it to Australia and represent their countries.

In on the pitch news, the top teams began to sprint away from the pack on Day 4. Afghanistan, Brazil and Nigeria are 3 of the standouts leading their groups in the Secondary Stage. Check out www.homelessworldcup.org for all team standings and the latest news and views on who will take it all.

Meet a Street Socceroo

NikeGamechangers — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 22:45:54 GMT

Meet the captain of the Australian Street Socceroos (aka soccer team). If you don't know him, you should. And if you have the good fortune to meet him in person, be sure to get his autograph.

The Street Socceroos are still in the hunt for the Cup as they move on to the secondary stage.

Homeless World Cup Day 1

NikeGamechangers — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 03:17:39 GMT

Check out the action of the opening day matches at the Homeless World Cup in Melbourne.

Homeless World Cup Kicks Off Down Under

NikeGamechangers — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 08:01:45 GMT

The fields in Melbourne, Australia aren't this quiet any longer. Today (Monday, Australia time) 500 players from 56 nations started match play in the Homeless World Cup. Over the next week they'll play more than 400 games of street soccer: maximum of 4 players per side, two halves of 7 minutes, court size 22x16 meters

The tourney started with a parade and opening ceremony featuring indigigenous dancers, the Choir of Hard Knocks, comments from Australia's Victorian Premier John Brumby... An original student production, 'The Football Ballet' choreographed to The Nutcracker Suite was certainly a fan favorite.

Over the past few days, some Autralian Socceroos (members of the Australian soccer team, no relation to the snack-classic Dunkaroos) took a moment to voice their support of the tournament. Check them out on YouTube.

Stay tuned for more news from the HWC

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