Latest News Stories
News: USA crowned World Cup Winners
2007-10-13
The United States of America claimed the title of FIPFA World Cup Champions following a close final against the French. The game finished 1-1 after extra-time, so the game would be decided by penalty kicks. The first 8 kicks were all successful, so sudden death would follow. Finally the 6th French penalty was saved, and the USA could celebrate a historic victory. They would be named the first ever FIPFA World Cup Champions.
The entire game was a tight affair with both defences on top. France took the lead during the first half and led 1-0 at the break. The French team started to show some signs of control in the game, as they enjoyed large periods of possession and remained camped in the USA half. The USA then managed to break clear and Danny Gorman was on hand to score the equalising goal.
Neither side could produce a winner, so the game headed into Extra Time. Both sides created chances, but a number of pieces of outstanding defending meant the sides could not be separated. After a week of competition, the first World Cup final would be decided by a penalty shoot-out. The first 8 strikes showed the class of the players, with neither goalkeeper even getting close to preventing the ball crossing the line. As the game entered sudden death, it would be a matter of who could hold their nerve the longest. It was the 12th penalty before a player slightly mis-struck the ball and this was the chance the American goalie was waiting for. He stopped the ball and claimed the title for the USA team.
Earlier in the day, the USA had defeated Belgium 3-0 in the first semi-final and it took extra time for France to beat hosts, Japan 1-0 to claim their place in the Final.
The first FIPFA World Cup competition was a huge success and has only enhanced the profile and development of the sport of Powerchair Football.
If your Club has any news that you would like to be added to the WFA site, please email it to:
admin@thewfa.org.uk