Senior soccer stars take one more stab at World Cup
Thailand in action during the 2008 Seniors World Cup. They came out champions that year, but are not looking so hot in 2010. Photos: FISA
Professional soccer players ranging in age from 38 up – some in their 50s – might be thought to be too far over the hill for a shot at the World Cup. But in Phuket over the next few days one lucky national side has a chance of glory, in the Football Senior World Cup 2010, currently being played out, mostly at Surakul Stadium in Phuket Town and Karon Stadium.
Eight national teams – Thailand, Iran, England, Armenia, Australia, the USA, New Zealand and Taiwan – are in the race. Divided into two groups of four, they are currently playing three days of round-robin matches to decide first and second place in each group.
On Friday (June 4) the Cup semis will be played between the winners of Group A and the second-place team in Group B, and vice-versa.
The following day, matches will be played at Karon and Surakul to decide 3rd to 7th places in the tournament, with the final taking place at Surakul at 6pm. (Most matches take place at either 4 or 6pm.)
After the first two days, only Australia had a clean record, having beaten the USA 3-0 and New Zealand 2-1. Thailand – champions in the first and third Seniors World Cup competitions, in 2006 and 2008 – have not started well, recording two draws – a goalless game against Iran, and a 2-2 result against England.
Other results for Day 1 were: England 3 Armenia 2; New Zealand 0 Taiwan 2. On Day 2 the other results were: Iran 4 Armenia 0; USA 2 Taiwan 1.
The rules stipulate that each team’s goalkeeper must be at least 38 years of age, with the remaining members divided as follows: three between 38 and 44 years old, foue between 45 and 49, and three aged 50-plus.
The Seniors World Cup is organised by the Thailand-based Fédération Internationale de Senior Football Association, or FISA, headed by former national politician Somsak Thepsutin. FISA also organises an annual Bangkok Masters soccer competition for seniors in December each year.
