FRANCE LIFT INAUGURAL STAR SIXES TITLE
The inaugural Star Sixes tournament has ended with France emerging the debut champions.
The French soccer legends led by Robert Pires defeated their opponents Denmark 2-1 at the London O2 Arena. The French contingent had defeated the brilliant Spanish side 5-2 in the semis before they faced the Danish sides.
On the other hand, the Danes defeated the highly rated South American side Brazil 4-2 to reach the finals. They had defeated the English team led by Steven Gerrard in the quarter final stage 3-1.
“I’m very proud of my team. It’s always very important to do well whenever you put the French shirt on. It was a very tough game. The legs were a bit heavy and Denmark played very well, so we’re happy to win the tournament,” the Arsenal legend Pires said after the match.
His Danish counterpart Stig Tofting congratulated the French side for winning, even though they were disappointed after going all the way. The third place match was a goals’ galore as Brazil humbled the Brazilians 11-3. Sorenson from the Danish team was named the Star of the Tournament while Spanish player Michel Salgado clinched the top scorer award with nine goals.
Of the 12 teams in three groups, the top two teams and the best two third placed teams moved to the knockout stage. Scotland, Mexico, China and Portugal were sent packing after the group stage. The Scottish team had Don Hutchison, Dominic Matteo, Paul Dickov, Jackie McNamara and others yet they could only garner three points.
The Mexican side had Jared Borgetti, Luis Hernandez, Mario Mendez, Alberto Garcia and others but they were the lowest ranked in Group A and the second of two nations that did not get any point; the other team being China.
Portugal had stars like Deco, Maniche, Jose Bosingwa, Raul Meireles, Fernando Couto and co but it was not enough to save them from being at the bottom of Group C.
Denmark were surprise finalist as top rated sides were also partaking. They came to the tournament as underdogs but they were a high scoring side throughout the event and they could have lifted the title.
