Team Simpatia: Chile 2009
Posted on 13/09/2009
The first time I met up with the Chilean team it was an instant chemistry. Energetic, cheerful and effusive were the members of the team. It’s amazing how in so little time the Chileans have earned the heart of not only the crowd but also the other teams. During the Homeless World Cup the players were seen joking and dancing with the rest of the teams. Their games were always exciting with sharp and sometimes risky moves on the pitch.
Their head coach, Juan Manuel Erazo has been collaborating with the Homeless World Cup since 2005. He says, "The players were chosen not only for their human qualities but also for those who would have a positive feedback from the event". The Chilean team had no time to practice in a similar pitch so there was no time for tactics, just heavy training. Nicolas Antonio Paraud is the trainer and therapist of the team. He describes the physical preparation as intense prior to their arrival to Milan. "Double journeys for many days but then we decreased the intensity level as we approached the tournament". The use of a variety of exercises that stimulated the players helped them obtain an impecable performance from the players.
Chile made possible the labor of uniting 7 heroes with different backgrounds forget about their problems and play wonderful football. They made friends from all over the world and took back with them the Dignitary Cup.
Cynthia Guzman TamaresPhoto credit © Amedeo Novelli, Manuela Cigliutti, Matteo Mangiarotti/FOTO UP AGENCY
