Afghanistan Crowned Homeless World Cup Champions

The Homeless World Cup is an annual international tournament, which provides the opportunity for people who are homeless to represent their country and change their own lives.

The winning team from Afghanistan Courtesy: homelessworldcup.org

MELBOURNE - Today Afghanistan defeated Russia 5-4 in the final of the Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup. And in the final of the first Women’s Homeless World Cup, Zambia had a comfortable win over Liberia, 7-1.

In a thrilling match in front of 50,000 spectators packed into Federation Square throughout the day, the Afghanistan and Russian teams battled it out for the sixth Homeless World Cup Trophy.

Russia opened the scoring, but Afghanistan responded quickly and at the end of the first seven-minute half were ahead 3-2. The two teams traded goal for goal in the second term, with Afghanistan holding the lead. Despite some intense last-second attacks by the determined Russians, the Afghan defence held up to take victory.

Homeless World Cup founder and president Mel Young presented the trophy to the jubilant Afghanistan team:

"Thank you Melbourne, thank you Australia,” Young said. “You have shown that working together we can create real, lasting change. Together we can end homelessness. It is everyone's game.

“And are you watching world? This is the way that sport and football can be played. This is the spirit of fair play.

“Congratulations Afghanistan. Congratulations to all the players. You are the true ambassadors for your country. You can stand proud. You are amazing. Vive el football!”

Research conducted during the Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup has shown that two thirds of event spectators surveyed have changed their perspective of homeless people. 82% also agreed that the Homeless World Cup breaks down stereotypes about the Homeless community.

The Homeless World Cup is an annual international tournament, which provides the opportunity for people who are homeless to represent their country and change their own lives. The 6th Homeless World Cup took place in the heart of the City of Melbourne, uniting 56 nations for the biggest tournament ever, which included the first Women’s Cup.

77% of players involved experience a significant life change; no-longer using drugs and alcohol, moving into homes, jobs, education, training, repairing relationships and becoming coaches or players with semi-pro teams. 94% claim to have a renewed motivation for life.

Homeless World Cup

The Homeless World Cup is a world-class international football tournament that has triggered and supports grass roots football programmes in over 60 nations engaging 30,000 players who are homeless all year round.

At the 6th Homeless World Cup in Melbourne 1-7 December 2008, 56 nations will be united for a tournament that includes the first women’s cup and a legacy of 30 street soccer programmes rolled out by The Big Issue in Australia.

The inaugural Homeless World Cup kicked off in Graz, Austria uniting 18 nations. Since then it has gained great momentum in Gothenburg, Sweden (2004), Edinburgh, Scotland (2005), Cape Town, South Africa (2006) and Copenhagen, Denmark (2007). It will visit Milan in 2009.

Founded by world-leading social entrepreneur Mel Young, the Homeless World Cup is supported by UEFA, Nike, The Vodafone Foundation, Global Ambassador Eric Cantona and international footballers Didier Drogba and Rio Ferdinand.

For full results and match reports, visit homelessworldcup.org

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