Goan Soccer World Cup 2000 on 9 January 2000

The first ever Goan soccer World Cup scheduled to be held in Goa in 
January 2000. The unqiue tournament spread over two weeks, will have the
opening ceremony and inaugural match on 9 January, 2000 at the Duler ground,
Mapusa, when the host team, Goa takes on the United Arab Emirates Goans.
The final is slated for 22 January, 2000 at the impressive Nehru Stadium,
Fatorda, Margao.

The tournament is organised under the banner of Goans International and
eight teams from all over the world are participating. The Goans soccer
World Cup organising committee is headed by the chairman of the National
Football League, Alberto Colaco, and boasts of individuals who are seasoned
football organziers. Among others, the GSWC organising committee consists
of:
Chairman - Alberto Colaco, chairman, National football league; Vice chairman
(Tech) - Antonio Bothelo, secretary, Dempo Sports Club; V-chairman (N Goa)-
Dr Bonnie Pereira, Prominent Orthopaedic Surgeon; V-chairman (S Goa) - Noel
Lima Leitao, President, Vasco Sports Club; Secretary - Juliana Colaco, Dy
director, Directorate of Sports; Treasurer - Albert E Vaz, Accountant; GI
Co-ordinator: Olav Menezes - Vice president Goans Inernational;
Consultant/Advisor - Caetano Albreu, Journalist/Music Critic: Consultant.

The draw for the tournament was held recently in Panjim in the presence of
the
Rene Barreto, chairman of Goans International, who came to Goa from London
(UK) for the occasion.The teams were divided into two groups by draw of
lots.
Group one has Saudi Arabia Goans, United Arab Emirates Goans and Rest of
the world Goans, with the host team, Goa. Group two comprises of the India
Goans, along with Kuwait Goans, Oman Goans and Qatar Goans.

The first league phase will decide the top two teams of each group who will
go
into the knock out stage. Both the semi-finals will be staged at the Duler
ground, Mapusa. While, the all important final to decide the first ever Goan
soccer world champions will take place at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda,
Margao, on 22 January 2000.

Midway through the tournament on 16 January, players, supporters and well
wishers will gather for a grand world cup ball at Cotta Mansion, Agacaim.The
event is limited to the first 1000 persons. For advance booking, please
contact Avita on (0832) 228210/436563.

This great gathering of Goan sportsmen from all over the world in 2000
January
will be the first step towards forging a firm sports link between the Goans
world wide -- an International Goan sports Federation.

Participating teams: Kuwait Goans, Qatar Goans, Saudi Arabia Goans, UAE
Goans, Oman Goans, India Goans, Rest of the world Goans, Goa.

First phase - league system
Group one: Goa, Saudi Arabia Goans, Rest of the World Goans, UAE Goans.
Group two: India Goans, Kuwait Goans, Qatar Goans, Oman Goans.

League fixtures:

Date and venue: 9 January 2000 - Goa vs UAE Goans, Mapusa; 10 Jan - India
Goans vs Oman Goans, Mapusa; 11 Jan - S Arabia Goans vs Rest/World
Goans, Mapusa; 12 Jan - Kuwait Goans vs Qatar Goans, Mapusa; 13 Jan - Goa
vs Rest/World Goans, Mapusa; 13 Jan - UAE Goans vs S Arabia Goans,
Margao; 14 Jan - India Goans vs Qatar Goans, Mapusa; 14 Jan - Oman Goans
vs Kuwait Goans, Margao; 15 Jan - Goa vs S Arabia Goans, Mapusa; 15 Jan -
Rest/World Goans vs UAE Goans, Margao; 18 Jan - India Goans vs Kuwait
Goans, Mapusa; 18 Jan - Qatar Goans vs Oman Goans, Margao.

Second phase knock out system : 20 January, Venue: Mapusa.
First semi-final: Group one winners vs Group two runners Up, 3 pm.
Second semi final: Group two winners vs Group one runners up, 4.30 pm.

Goan soccer world cup final: Winner of 1st semi-final v/s winner of
2nd semi final.
Venue Nehru stadium, Margao, date 22 January, 4.00 pm.

(Source: Gomantak Times / 22 December 1999)
http://www.gomantaktimes.com/ Courtesy Gomantak Times