More than 1120 kids left the sporting complex of the University of Pretoria in high spirits today as the knockout stages of the competition concluded. Tomorrow’s final at Orlando stadium promises to be action-packed as all the teams play their last game to determine their final rankings in the competition.
The highlights of the day will undoubtedly be the two final games in which Mexico, Uruguay, Switzerland and hosts South Africa will be taking part. Mexico and Uruguay for the 2010 title; Switzerland and South Africa for the 2009 title.
After beating the samba boys Brazil, Mexico will face Uruguay for the title of 2010 Danone Nations Cup world champions. The two teams feel confident that they will be able to deliver a sterling performance, and the numbers do the talking: Both teams have only conceded two goals in the entire tournament thus far, Mexico having scored 15 goals and Uruguay eight.
“The game against Brazil was definitely the most difficult,” says Mexican coach Raymundo Lopez. “They played a lot of long shots and made it very difficult for us to score. Tomorrow’s game against Uruguay will also be a great challenge, because they are truly an excellent team.”
In sizing up the competition, Uruguay coach Edward Bermuyez feels confident that his team is ready for the challenge. “I am not worried about how the children will do; they have shown what they are made of,” he says. “If we win it will be fantastic, and all the parents that came to support us will be delighted. But winning is not of top importance. It is about the pleasure of the game”
The host team has been bulldozing the competition in the 2009 tournament, having conceded only two goals in their seven games. “I am in seventh heaven,” says coach Bafana Dlamini. “The performance of these young players has been amazing. I think it is because we work to keep our focus and keep our spirits high.”
Bree School, who will be representing South Africa side will face Switzerland in the final at Orlando stadium tomorrow. Switzerland scored four goals against Japan in one game, which makes them formidable opponents. With so much home support tomorrow, it will be challenging for the Swiss team to keep their focus, according to coach Facundo Alvanezzi. “I will sing and dance until I am back in Switzerland if we win tomorrow,” he laughs. “The children in our team are very well disciplined - they deserve to win just because of that. But we are here to celebrate the beautiful game, not to chase a victory.”
The young footballers of tomorrow will be playing in a stadium that will be packed to capacity. Retired French footballer Zinedine Zidane will be there in his capacity as official ambassador of the tournament.
The 1120 kids from over 40 countries will play it out among thousands of cheering spectators, high-profile international footballers, and blaring vuvuzelas.
If you haven’t managed to get tickets, the event will be broadcast live over various mediums. Be sure to support your team - whether at the stadium or in your home country!
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