Italy team with the trophy and citation during the 7th Edition of the Phesa World Cup at St Paul School Stadium on August 15.
Kohima| August 15
Morung Express News
Four-time champions Italy’s absence in 2018 edition of World Cup might have left loyal fans disheartened but at the Phesa World Cup, the team was unstoppable.
Italy team took home the trophy after defeating Spain 3-1 via tiebreaker here at St Paul School Stadium on August 15 evening, after the final match ended in a 1-1 stalemate after regular 90 minutes.
While Neisaleto took the Spaniards ahead in the 25th minute of the match managed to hold their fort till the end, a briallant strike by Italy’s Kedikhrie Zashumo in the last 30 seconds of the match salvaged the day for the Italians.
Earlier, Spain beat Japan and Italy edged over Argentina in their respective semifinals to advance to finals. Both the semifinals were won via tie-breakers.
In the individual categories, Vimetsito Motonyü of Japan won the Golden glove while the Golden Boot was conferred to Neisaleto Kuotsu of Spain with six goals. Kevi Chuse from Italy went home with the Golden Ball. The Young Player award was given to Neikehiezo Khale from Spain team.
An official in the organizing team informed that the replica of the World Cup trophy, worth around Rs 17000, was sculptured by Sekrese Mejura, an artist from Phesama village out of the Plaster of Paris.
The trophies along with cash prizes were distributed by the special guest Vito-o Kuotsu, President, Phesama Youth Organization who also encouraged the players to practice passionately in order to reach greater platforms.
The tournament is a good time to select the best players from different teams to represent the village for other tournaments in the coming days, he added.
Pointing that the village in the past and present has continually produced good sportspersons in different field and football in particular, Kuotsu stressed on the need for a spacious and quality playground and urged the elders, educated mass and concerned villagers to take stock of the same.
Encouraging the players to keep the game spirit alive, he also exhorted the players to learn from the tournament while leaving the place considering oneself as winners.
The closing function was chaired by Thejanguzo Zashumo and benediction was pronounced by Rokolhoubei Chuse. Neisalie Mejura from the organizing team gave the vote of thanks. VZ Angami, Commandent 10 IR Bn and his lady wife along with other sponsers and village elders attended the closing function.
