Northern Ireland are making good progress in the group stages at this year’s Homeless World Cup in the USA.
After defeating Switzerland 9-0 in their opening match, the men’s team lost 6-2 to Portugal, however yesterday they recorded two impressive wins to move into second place in seven-team Group B.
Firstly, they defeated Greece 8-2 and then followed that success up with a superb win against Costa Rica, one of the group favourites. They defeated the Costa Ricans by four goals to one.
Later today they will complete their group fixtures in the four-a-side tournament with games against Norway, who have yet to register a point in the competition, and Finland, who have six points on the board to date.
If they finish fourth or higher in their group they will enter Section 1 within stage two of the competition where there will be four groups of four teams. And depending on their results at that stage Northern Ireland would either compete for the overall Homeless World Cup (top eight teams) or the Nelsen Way Award (trophy stage).
And if they finish outside the top four in their group they will enter Section 2 within stage two with the opportunity to go on to compete for other silverware at the trophy stage (Lassen Peak Award or Shasta Award).
The tournament, which is currently being staged at California State University’s Hornet Football Stadium in Sacramento, is run by the Homeless World Cup Foundation.
Street Soccer NI, a charity working with homeless people and disadvantaged groups across Northern Ireland, has put the eight-strong Northern Ireland squad together. Team NI are being supported this year by Simon Community NI, Choice Housing, Nationwide and the Irish FA Foundation among others.
Image: Northern Ireland’s Osama Almahmoud tackles a Costa Rican player.
