By Gasper Crasto / Kuwait
Kuwait: Football in this part of the world is arguably the number one favorite sport of Indians. This was proved to be true at the Alvernaz-Lalush Memorial Trophy 7-aside football tournament first phase played at Bayan Grounds on 5th August 2010.
The Churchill Bros sponsored tournament, played under floodlights attracted 20 select teams; a number of top players were seen in action.
In a nation with numerous media and entertainment attractions, it is never an easy path for an event like this to gain recognition and respect from the multitudes. But the ‘football-feast’ had a large number of spectators cheering the teams and enjoying in the thrill.
In a frenzied atmosphere of football, some of the seasoned teams in the competition such as G.O.A Maroons, United Friends Club, DHL-II and Rising Stars were shocked and knocked out in the first round.GOA Maroons fought tooth and nail to overcome DHL-I who led by 1-0 but the popular Maroons consisting of Antony, Ian, Regi, Terence, Steven, etc, ran out of time. Remmy was the match-winner for DHL-I. Later, in their second round DHL-I were defeated in the tie-breaker by Navelim Youth Centre (NYC). Cruzedio who scored 2 quick goals for NYC saw his efforts negated by the spirited courier men. However, NYC under goalkeeper Britto Pereira, emerged victorious in the ensuing 5 penalty tie-breaker.
AVC Kuwait showed grit and promise in the two rounds they played with striker Kevin Vaz finding the target time and again. Francis Rodrigues, Benny D’Silva, Braulio and Anthony Rodrigues also shone for AVC in the last match against Nissa to qualify for the quarter finals.
Earlier, AVC beat a star-studded DHL-II which had players such as Jose Calado, Godfrey Aguiar, Roland Fernandes, Elvis Camelo, etc.
Livrament Boys was another team with a formidable line-up and is most favorite to advance. They got past Indian Strikers in the tie-breaker. Bernard Pires, Jimmy Goveia and goalkeeper Nikesh excelled for the winners. Livrament won the second round against Rising Stars in the tie-breaker to qualify for the quarter finals.
U.S Strikers comprising of veteran star footballers such as Adrian Goes, Steven Fernandes, Milagres Crasto, etc, scored a cheeky, opportunistic goal off the boots of Ivo Rodrigues and added one more through Rumel Dias to oust a depleted Santos FC in their first round.
Youngsters Don Bosco Oratory, last summer’s Navelim Soccer Fest Champions are yet to be tested in the tournament. Ilhas Brothers that was scheduled to play against them played a spoil sport by not turning up for the competition inspite of the confirmation given by them earlier. Thus the spectators were robbed of a game of football.
Alvernaz-Lalush Memorial Trophy is presented by Navelim-Kuwait under the leadership of Agnello A. S. Fernandes. With ‘Friendship through Sports’ as the theme, the main aim of the Navelim has been to promote football and friendship among the Indian masses.
The final phase of the tournament (Quarter Finals & Final) is scheduled for August 12, 2010 at Surra Stadium with 8 of the best teams remaining in fray. An exhibition match between 2 school teams is also on the cards. All Matches will start at 7.30 pm
The quarter-final fixture will feature Fahaheel Brothers v/s Goa Boys, Don Bosco v/s Navelim on the East Ground. While Livrament Boys v/s Kuwait Goan Association, and U.S Strikers v/s AVC-Kuwait will be held on the West Ground.
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