PH girls bow to Brazil in Street Child World Cup finals

MANILA, Philippines – The Cinderella journey of the Street Child World Cup participants has come to an end, with the girls squad of the Philippines bowing to host squad Brazil, 1-0 in the finals on Monday, April 7 (Manila time) in Rio De Janeiro.

In front of a rabid home crowd inside the Fluminense’s, Team Brazil scored their lone goal in the first half, but the Philippine girls, who defeated England, South Africa and Mozambique, refused to go quietly. 

Team Philippines came out more aggressive in the second half, missing several shots on goal before defender Crystal left with an injury. The single goal held up at the end.

Despite the close defeat, the Team Philippines organizers were upbeat.

“Congrats girls, it may not have been a win but ’twas a great result for them to be in the final and vs Brazil! Good game girls!,” tweeted Naomi Tomlinson, co-founder of FairPlay For All, which formed the Pinoy squads from locals in Payatas, Quezon City and surrounding areas.

Congrats girls, it may not have been a win but ’twas a great result for them to be in the final and vs Brazil! Good game girls! #SCWC2014

— Naomi Tomlinson (@lilnaomi03) April 6, 2014

Prior to the game, Philippine coach Roy Moore told Rappler that the girls will return to their respective domestic squads, with one player set to tryout for the under-14 national team while others are eyeing football scholarships from universities.

In the boy’s finale, Tanzania defeated Burundi, 3-1 to capture the title.

– Rappler.com