Cambodians Win Trophy for Bravery and The Hearts of Many at Homeless World Cup in Milan

Posted by Cambodia - 17/09/2009

Six young men have returned to Cambodia, with memories but with a special trophy awarded for their bravery. They know that whilst they may not have won the Cup, they certainly won the hearts and minds of those who witnessed their bravery, courage and superb efforts in their second Homeless World Cup event.

Winning against Japan in the semi final saw these brave young men take on the more physically dominant players of the Belgium team at the final, but it did not intimidate these substantially smaller players.

Belgium lead the game, and in the second half Cambodia fought back from 7-1 down and goal keeper Viet Kung made impressive saves to keep them in the match. The final score was 8 - 5 to Belgium.

After the game the players were congratulated and presented with medals. At the final whistle, the players were mobbed by other teams and spectators who wanted to share the joy of the experience of being at the Homeless World Cup.

Each of them, like celebrities, were asked for photos and a continual chant “Cambodia” filled the stadium. This encouragement could have only filled that feeling of disappointment that lingered amongst team members after they lost the last game.

Coach Jimmy Campbell was impressed by the efforts and spirit of the players.” Against some odds they managed to still play really well and I commend them on their courage and their sportsmanship” he said.

Patrick Cassidy (member of Homeless World Cup Foundation) was spectating the event and commented on the courage of the team after watching the game.

“Courage came to mind when I saw Cambodia play on the pitch with Belgium. Much physically stronger players, but these young men worked as a team and played with their hearts. That is what this event is about,” he said.

The emotion of that moment was captured by a spectator Karen Tuch who said “The amount of support and encouragement that has been shown to the Cambodians has been amazing. The crowds and other players love Cambodia and I think showing this kind of support to countries like such as this is what this tournament is about.”

Whilst getting to the tournament was an achievement for Cambodia, their playing throughout the week was impressive. They played their first match against Switzerland with a final score of 6 – 4 to Switzerland, they won their second match against Croatia on penalties after a thrilling 6 – 6 game, and a narrow defeat against hosts Italy 7 - 9 and on the fifth day they won both matches thrashing Spain 12 – 2 and Japan 10 – 1.

Proving that there is more than one way to score a goal at the Homeless World Cup, from getting on a plane for the first time, the players enjoyed an afternoon at San Siro stadium, a tour around the centre of Milano and one player even got to meet Formula One Champion Lewis Hamilton.

Team Manager and chairperson of (HFCA) Happy Football Cambodia Australia the coordinating body that got the team to Milano, is really proud of the efforts of the young men who journeyed a long way and proved their bravery and courage throughout the tournament.

“These young men come from one of the poorest nations in the world. They have had a tremendous amount of support this tournament and are returning home after an event that has and will change their lives forever. We are really proud the bravery award went to Cambodia, they really deserve it”. He said.

One can only imagine how this has impacted these young men from the streets of Cambodia. But anyone who met them, anyone who saw the smile on their faces will realise, that this is a moment in their lives which means that they have changed forever.

The team will be able to now share their memories and experiences to others in their community.