Every underdog has its day
Posted on 05/12/2008
By Andrea Fox
OVER the past five days, crowds at the 2008 Homeless World Cup have been wowed by the skills on display. Superb tackling, co-ordination, teamwork and a hunger for the ball are the characteristics of the more successful sides. And of course blistering strikes from any corner of the field.
With tall, athletic and talented players, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this is a professional soccer tournament. Certainly, many surprised and impressed spectators are gob-smacked that all members of these teams have been homeless at some point in the past two years.
“No, seriously!” a woman besides me asks incredulously, after Zimbabwe score with an awesome strike from midfield. “These people can’t be homeless!”
The underdog factor
But while teams like Scotland, Afghanistan, Ireland and Ukraine have drawn the crowds for their polished skills, there's another team which has become a fan favourite for their enthusiasm, diversity and underdog factor.
Despite conceding 101 goals in eight losing matches Belgium has earned itself a place in the heart of Homeless World Cup spectators.
The team's talisman is the tall Nourdine Benaissa who boasts a huge brown curly afro, held stylishly back with a headband.
But the team member who has possibly made the greatest impact through her fierce play on the pitch is Diana Mouwen, the team's only female competitor.
Visas rejected
Belgium had to regroup on the eve of the tournament after four of its initial team had their Australian visas rejected, preventing them from leaving Belgium to travel to Melbourne.
“It is sad,” said Diana. “We miss them terribly, but it makes us try even harder. We are playing for them.”
In the bright sunlight on the Yarra Pitch, Belgium begin their battle against Sierra Leone.
“We are here to have fun, whether we win, lose or draw,” said Diana. “It (the result) doesn’t matter to us because we just enjoy playing.”
Scissor kicks
Belgium may not have the skill of the top-ranking teams, but what natural abilities they lack, they make up for with entertaining theatrics.
Nourdine attempts two scissor-kicks during the match, hurling his lanky frame up into the air with gusto. One shot nearly comes off and the scissor-kick slams into the backboard to the delight of the crowd and players.
“Wow! Spectatular effort!” the court-side commentator yells. “If that shot had gone in, that would have been the goal of the tournament!”
Later in the game, Nourdine comes off second best in a tackle and falls backwards onto the ground, screaming for a foul.
The assistant referee shakes his head and laughs, “What an actor!”
Sierra Leone begin to put on a clinic, manouvering around the Belgian defenders with precise passes to get clear strikes at goal.
Still, the Belgians do not throw in the towel, clapping each opposition goal and jumping with joy when a teammate scores. The Belgian manager shouts instructions to get the players refocused after a series of costly turnovers. They listen and continue their enthusiastic attack on the ball, regardless of the score.
Selflessness and friendship
Late into the first half, Nourdine accepts a pass and turns to strike at goal. The ball sails through the air and the full force of the kick is felt by the Sierra Leone keeper’s head. His hands were a split second too late. He falls like a ton of bricks.
While onlookers, photographers and players look on in horror, Nourdine is the first person to the keeper, asking if he’s OK.
This look of concern is soon replaced with a quick smile, as the keeper grimaces and stands up. The Belgian supports his African rival with a helpful hand as the referee checks he’s not concussed. The group decide to walk to the side of the pitch to get the keeper some water to revive him.
The whole time, Nourdine is there, holding him up, comforting and joking with his fellow competitor. The two hug and exchange a grin before both run back to their positions on the field to resume play.
The selflessness of this act exemplifies the values of belonging, acceptance and friendship that exist at the Homeless World Cup.
The perseverance and determination of the Belgian team are just as valuable and rewarding as the sporting flair and skill that other teams have shown us.
“I played alright today,” said Diana. “One goal, three goal assists and some tackles. But it doesn’t really matter if we play well or not.”
All players at the tournament repeat this motto. They have been down on their luck before and are not going to be defeated by one bad performance.
They just pick themselves up again and keep on trying.
Belgium lost 11-4 to Sierra Leone.
