‘Champion of Champions’ Futsal
By Michaelangelo Jacobus
After a topsy-turvy round-robin phase, the business end of the inaugural ‘Champion of Champions’ Futsal tournament will start this evening, with Back Circle, Gold is Money, and North East La Penitence set for action at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.
Speaking ahead of tonight’s matches, Tournament Coordinator Troy Lambert said, “The tournament has exceeded expectations. Who would have imagined that both Sparta Boss and Bent Street, traditional giants in this format, would have failed to advance to the knockout round? That has never occurred in this format and is evidence of the highly competitive nature of the tournament.”
Lambert also talked up the quality of the competition, stating; “This has to be the most competitive and open tournament in recent memory. This shows that the smaller teams are improving by acquiring better players, so there is nothing as easy as an easy match anymore in this format, which bodes well for the future of the format. While there are still a few traditional powerhouses remaining in the event, they are emerging teams that are in the mix, which makes for an exciting finish. Anyone can genuinely win.”
In the opening encounter, the thus far flawless North East La Penitence will lock horns with Team Cruel of Beterverwagting (BV) at 20:00hrs.
North East La Penitence ended the group stage with a perfect 3-0 record, which included an impressive victory over Back Circle.
They are considered the event’s ‘Dark Horse’ by many pundits given their stellar performances.
On the other side, Team Cruel will fancy their chances of staging another major upset in the event given the tactical quality of their roster as they attempt to secure their maiden semifinal spot in this format.
In the second fixture, Gold is Money will tackle giant killer Mocha at 20:45hrs. Gold is Money has been in imperious form following a flawless group campaign but will be tested by the dangerous Mocha unit, who were responsible for the elimination of Bent Street.
The third encounter will pit Stabroek Ballerz against California Square at 21:30hrs.
Dark horses, Stabroek Ballers, possess arguably the most balanced lineup in the entire tournament and will be confident of moving one step closer to winning their first Futsal Championship.
However, California Square presents a tricky challenge given their dogged determination and experience.
In the final match, Back Circle will oppose North Ruimveldt at 22:15hrs.
After suffering an unexpected defeat in their previous encounter, Back Circle will strive to right the wrong and showcase that the defeat was simply an anomaly.
However, standing in their way will be the ultra defensive North Ruimveldt unit, who displayed their championship credentials following a clinical win over Sparta Boss in the previous round.
The winner of the event will pocket $1,000,000 and the championship trophy, while the second, third, and fourth-place finishers will receive $500,000, $300,000, and $200,000 and the corresponding accolade, respectively. On the individual side, prizes will also be given to the highest goal scorer, most valuable player, best defender, and goalkeeper, respectively.
Quarterfinals
(North East La Penitence vs. Team Cruel: 20:00hrs
Gold is Money vs. Mocha: 20:45hrs
Stabroek Ballers vs. California Square: 21:30hrs
North Ruimveldt vs. Back Circle A: 22:15hrs
