Here is a small snippet of the action from Day Three of the 2008 Homeless World Cup in Melbourne.

Russia vs Canada, Federation Square Pitch

Canada got off to a brilliant start in this match scoring the first goal, but that was as good as good as it got for the North Americans as they were steamrolled by the highly fancied Russian outfit. The Russians were simply too quick and too skilled for their opponents balanced with some killer finishing. The Russians are definitely a team to watch in the latter stages of the tournament.

Result: Russia 18 def Canada 6

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, Federation Square Pitch

This was one highly skilled, fast paced game that had the crowd on the edge of its seat. The Afghanis jumped their opponents early to lead 3-0, however the Zimbabweans soon clicked into gear to score the next four and lead 4-3 at the break. Both teams went goal for goal in the second half in an excellent exhibition of street soccer and the match ended 8-8 at full time. Like the game itself, the penalty shootout was full of drama. There were near misses and excellent saves by both keepers, but in the end the team from Afghanistan prevailed, much to the delight of their supporters, of which their were quite a few.

Result: Afghanistan 8 drew with Zimbabwe 8 (Afghanistan won 3-2 on penalties)

Australia vs Czech Republic, Federation Square Pitch

This match started off in frenetic fashion with the Australians setting the tone of the match with an early goal. The key moment in the match was when the Czech Republic had a man sent off for two minutes for a foul and the Australians took full advantage by scoring four goals whilst they had the man advantage. Leading 7-0 at half time, the Australians looked good for . The second half was a much more subdued affair where the defence of both teams worked extremely hard.

Result: Australia 9 def Czech Republic 3

Russia vs Netherlands, Melbourne Pitch

This was a very physical and combative match but the Russians showed why they are one of the tournament favourites with some classy finishing. The Dutch team were unable to find a way past a Russian team that was well drilled in both defence and attack.  The Russians made use of the minimal width of the pitch to spread the defence of their opposition to good effect and lead 5-0 at the break. The Dutch team showed  more commitment in a much closer second half, but the damage had already been done.

Result: Russia 10 def Netherlands 3

Greece vs Chile, Melbourne Pitch

With both teams spurred on by large groups of supporters this was always going to be a passionate and hard fought match. Both teams traded goals early in a game that showcased two contrasting styles. The Greeks played in a much more physical style whilst their much smaller opponents relied on speed and skill. Trailing 4-5 at the break the Chileans came out in inspired fashion in the second half but saw many of their shots coming flying back of the crossbar or upright. The Greeks were seconds away from victory in regular time when the Chileans finally found the back of the net to send the game to penalties. Unfortunately for the Chileans their inspiring finish didn’t carry over into the penalty shootout as they went down 2-1.

Result: Greece 6 drew with Chile 6 (Greece won 2-1 on penalties)

Portugal vs Rwanda, Melbourne Pitch

Portugal demonstrated in this clash with their African opponents why they are one of the competition favourites with classy and dominate display. The game was played at a fast and furious pace with the Rwandans unable to find a way through an organised Portuguese defence, that was backed up by an excellent and acrobatic goalkeeper. Despite trailing 1-6 at the break, the Rwandans didn’t take a backward step in the second half but the better finishing of their opponents proved too much in the end as they ran out 11-2 winners.

Result: Portugal 11 def Rwanda 2

Mexico vs Zimbabwe, Melbourne Pitch

After the teams went goal for goal early on in the match, the Zimbabweans stepped it up a gear to go into the half time break with a 6-2 advantage. Two early goals in the second half to the Mexicans saw them give their opponents some nervous moments. The Africans were able to withstand the onslaught and two late goals saw them put the game beyond doubt. The Zimbabweans will have plenty of support in the latter stages of the tournament as their entertaining style of play makes them a crowd favourite.

Result: Zimbabwe 8 def Mexico 5

The preliminary stage of the tournament came to a close today and the teams re-group for stage two on their journey towards the finals on Sunday. Early favourites for the Cup include Poland, Portugal and Russia with Australia also progressing through to section one of the next stage, by finishing third in their group.

For the full results for the 2008 Homeless World Cup, click here.

Neil Zimmerman is the editor of the84thminute and also runs the Victory In Melbourne site. He also can be found at au.fourfourtwo.com where he writes a weekly column on the Melbourne Victory. On most weekends Neil can be found at a football match, be it either A-League, Victorian Premier League or a match that he happens to come across whilst walking his dogs.

Photo credits: Victory In Melbourne on Flickr via the84thminute photo pool.