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Soccer News of Tuesday, 29 May 2007

Source: FIFA

Ghana girls lift the "Home of FIFA" Trophy

As a part of the festivities surrounding the inauguration of the new Home of FIFA in Zurich, two international U-14 football tournaments were held (girls & boys), each showcasing the talents of six member associations, representing each of the FIFA confederations.

Kicking-off on the brand new FIFA Football Turf next door to the beautiful new home of the world's governing body for football, representative U-14 teams from Chile, Costa Rica, Ghana, Switzerland, Tahiti and Thailand (in the girls' event) and Bahrain, Bermuda, Bolivia, Papua New Guinea, San Marino and South Africa (in the boys' event) went head to head with Ghana and South Africa emerging triumphant of the respective competitions.

After a scoreless match, Ghana defeated Costa Rica on penalty kicks 3-2 in the girls final and South Africa overcame Bolivia also 3-2 on penalty kicks after a thrilling 2-2 draw, which featured a last-gasp equaliser for the champions in the boys final.

"Young people are the future of our sport and it is only fitting to stage such a competition on the day that we open the doors of the Home of FIFA to the world," said FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter. "I am delighted that FIFA was able to host such an important tournament and I have no doubt that it was an unforgettable experience for the girls and boys. No matter the results, the most important thing was that they enjoyed this opportunity to meet new friends from all over the globe who share a passion for the beautiful game."