This year’s tournament offered great wheather and many espectators. The Iraqi team Al-Madina had great audience, so many that they could make any pro-team jealous. Iraq had not had the chance to participate in Gothia Cup for the past 29 years so the were really missed. In addition, they met in their first match team Roanoke Stars from USA, but both teams showed that Gothia Cup is about brotherhood and not political views from adults.
FC Brazzaville from Gothia Cup’s and Swedish Missionary church’s football school in Kongo got a pretty unique experience, thanks to the help of a sponsor they got the oportunity to participate. They played well and advanced to A-paly off where it all ended. But above all, they took home some amazing experiences to share with their family and friends at the football school.
Two new members were chosen to be part of the honorable Gothia Cup Hall of Fame.
Dante Mandriotti, AD Cantolao from Perú and Patricia Espinosa, agent from México.
Something to remember was during the opening ceremony when 46 000 people played the ”human” Guitar Hero. The feeling for rythm and timing you all showed must of been something unique.
It also felt great to enter our new finals arena Gamla Ullevi, this place really offers you the feeling of a pro-game. On top of that, the Swedish sports channel Viasat broadcasted the finals the same way they do with Champions League. Well, Gothia is actually the World Youth Cup so the attention is really deserved.
Gothia Cup in colaboration with the Swedish Elite Football Association (SEF) arranged this year an invitational tournament for boys 17 yrs old. 24 temas from elite clubs participated. Half of the teams from Sweden and the rest from Europe, Brazil and México. This age category got a great deal of attention on the media and the matches were tough and even. The final was disputed between English Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brazilian Cruzeiro EC.
