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Courrier Laval Bilingual Edition

Glimpses of Laval's World Cup of Soccer

From the Buenacasa Family of Chomedey

Article mis en ligne le 10 juillet 2007 à 16:50
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The opening ceremonies of the 2007 Laval world Cup of Soccer. (Photo: Martin Alarie)

From the Buenacasa Family of Chomedey

Andrés

My sister, Dannelle, made little soccer Bible verse cards with the message 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me', in Spanish. At halftime, and I went to give Spanish team the cards. They looked surprised as I approached but eagerly held out their hands to take the cards. Smiling, they said “Thank you” in English. I was glad they liked them so much. I only had 10 cards to give. Next game I had more cards, with an extra verse from Isaiah 55:6. I gave them to the entire Spanish team, and to the officials.

Benjamin

When we arrived at the stadium on Sunday, the teams were about to be introduced. We sat with other Spanish people to watch. Italy started strong but tailed off as the Spanish team kept them in their zone for most of the half. Scoring the only goal of the game, Spain won 1-0. Thursday's game between Spain and the U.S. turned into a rout, with the Americans winning 6-3. Spain was just not in it, having already won their group. Leading 2-1 at the half, the US sank four unanswered goals, bringing the score to 6-1 before Spain rallied with two late markers.

Dannelle

The 2007 Laval World Cup of Soccer opened with an exciting match between Italy and Spain. Although Spain scored the only goal, it was not for lack of effort that Italy lost. Both teams battled hard, with lots of pushing and tugging. Some beautiful passes came from both sides.

Spanish and Italian fans cheered with pride and joy. Spain had a goal called back (offside), and their goalkeeper was stellar in recording the shutout. The Spanish defense did not allow any goals in their second game, either, thrashing France 5-0, clinching their division before their third and final game against the US. The latter, however, had to win for a berth in the final, and it showed in their excellent play. Allowing 6 goals (some of them very easy) it appeared Spain wa taking the game too lightly.

Spanish fans seemed impatient for more action. Down by 5 goals, Spain's play picked up and they began pressing the Americans. Their renewed spirit was rewarded by two quick goals. Final score: USA 6, Spain 3. Winners of their respective groups, the USA and Spain met in last night's championship game. After the game, a Spanish player yelled, “Come back Saturday!” The players seemed very disappointed with their effort, so yesterday's championship game between Spain, winners of Group A, and the US, winners of Group B was expected to be a much better contest.

Elizabeth

We arrived at the stadium on Sunday full of expectation, and we weren’t disappointed. Spain came out fighting and scored quickly. Unfortunately, the first goal was called back (offside).

The action grew more intense. Spain scored, this time it counted. Cheers erupted from Spanish supporters and the players responded by waving. At the half, the Italians were ahead on shots, 3-1, but Spain led 1-0, and that's the way the game ended.

Thursday, against the US, Spain played a very slow game, since, as the coach explained, they had already clinched a berth in the final. Spain’s goalkeeper let in 3 soft goals. The 6th and final US goal caused a spark. Spain finally retaliated, resulting in a beautiful goal. Spain's third goal slipped through the 'keeper's hands and into the net.

Jose

It is welcoming to see the Laval community attempting to bring attention to the greatest sport in the world. This tournament at the Sport Complex Bois de Boulogne is one such attempt.

As a family with a Spanish background, naturally our hearts were with Spain. There we were, our flags waving them on. What a sight and source of encouragement that must have been for the Spanish players. Credit must be given to these young men and the not so young, to leave their country, family and work to partake in an invitational tournament.

At one of the games, at halftime, I approached the Spanish coach for impressions of the team's visit to Canada. From Sevilla. they were invited last year for the first time and also back again this year as defending “campeones”. I asked him what his thoughts were concerning the tournament and our city. He said there is “mucha falta” (many shortcomings) concerning soccer here. And it showed by the lack of support in the stands.

We had intentions of attending last night's championship game between the USA and Spain. We expected Spain to win, but win or lose, we'll tell you about it in next Sunday's edition of Courrier Laval Weekly News.

Tirzah

It was lots of fun. The first time we went there were more fans for Spain than there were for Italy. The next game we went to there were more fans for USA than for Spain.

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