Football Legends enthrals Dubai while exhibition matches in Five-a-side format ended in lively 3-3 draws
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Football Legends from four of the finest European football teams kicked-off the 2nd edition of Dubai Indoor Football Championship with two pulsating exhibition matches, held at Dubai World Trade Centre last night.
The tournament, organised as part of Dubai Sports World, in partnership with Dubai Sports Council and Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment saw great football rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid kick the championship off with an engrossing 3-3 encounter, reminiscent of their battles in La Liga. With famed players such as Victor Munoz from Barcelona and Emilio Anavsica for Real Madrid scoring 2 goals respectively, Ivan Perez then restored Real Madrid’s lead followed closely by Gerard resulting in the 3-3 draw.
In the second game, at the Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam, with Michael Mols and Kiki Musampa in their ranks, clashed with Italian counterparts AS Roma in a lively and competitive encounter match which also finished 3-3. With goals scored by Olaf Windenburgh and Wamberto playing for Ajax, Alessandro Cucciari retaliated with a shooting goal, followed closely by Kiki Musampa for Ajax. However, the ex-Italy international Damiano Tomassi ended the game with two thrilling goals, with the final 3-3 score on the final whistle.
Not to be out-done by the footballing legends, 20 local and regional freestylers showcased their footballing skills in the inaugural Dubai Freestyle Football Championship, entertaining the crowd with their creative moves at half time. Organised by Tawasol Media in partnership and sponsored by Excellence Generation with Dubai Sports Council and the Arab Freestyle Football Foundation, the competition will be judged over the next four days with one lucky winner to be crowned the 1st Dubai Freestyle Champion on 12th July 2012.
The excitement will continue for the first official match of the championship on 9th July as European stars will be pitted against regional stars from Egypt and Morocco. Real Madrid will play UAE Stars first at 7pm, as FC Barcelona take on the Morocco Stars at 8pm, followed by Ajax vs Egypt Stars at 9pm, ending with AS Roma vs Nile Stars at 10pm.
