Torrential Glasgow rain failed to dampen the spirits of the players and supporters on the penultimate day of this year’s Homeless World Cup.
Hosted in Glasgow’s George Square, the week-long tournament has brought together players and coaches from across the globe, with the aim of using football to “inspire homeless people to change their own lives”.
A world-wide audience of over 1 million people have tuned in to watch the matches over the week, with many more expected to stream the cup final games on Saturday afternoon.
More than 60,000 spectators have filled stands around the three street-soccer pitches, with guests including First Minister Nicola Sturgeon cheering the players on.
At times the rain fell as hard as some of the tackles going in, and the passion on display from the players representing their countries was difficult to miss.
Scotland had two teams at the tournament, with the men’s team featuring two Dundee-based outfield players – Connor Henderson and James Maich.
A fiery quarter-final bowl match between Scotland and Bulgaria saw the men’s team narrowly lose by one goal in a game that ended 6-5.
They overcame the loss with a 8-1 victory over Italy, which will see them face England on Saturday.
Scotland’s Connor Henderson and James Maich agreed that a final day match against England will feel like their “world-cup final”.
The two Scotland internationals were picked from over 80 trialists, and both volunteer with Street Soccer Scotland in Dundee, organising football training and matches at pitches across the city.
Connor said: “We have had a decent tournament. This is the first time I’ve been involved in the Homeless World Cup.
“I work as a volunteer with Street Soccer Scotland, and along with James, am working to get my coaching badges.
“I scored a last minute winner against Grenada during the tournament, which has had over 30,000 views online, which is great. The whole tournament has been a great experience.”
James said: “The games are really physical, but afterwards we shake hands, it’s all about good sportsmanship at the end of the day.
“We will go back to working as volunteers after the tournament, and work at getting more people involved with Street Soccer Scotland.”
Scotland Women made it to the semi-final of the cup competition and, after a comprehensive 10-3 win over Netherlands, were beaten 7-3 by Kyrgyzstan.
Analysis:
Sixty-four teams from 52 countries, 400 volunteers, 1 million televisual viewers and 70,000 pitch-side spectators. A great number of people have been involved in a great number of roles, for a great tournament of our time.
Homelessness is defined differently across the world. Passion, however, is universally recognised and the passion on display from every single player and coach lit a soggy George Square up during this years Homeless World Cup.
The dedication every man and woman showed on the pitch and off should be vigorously applauded, and this worthwhile cause is something the whole of Scotland should get behind.
