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

Brazil vs Ukraine, Melbourne Pitch

This match opened in frenetic fashion with the Ukraine team getting the better of their opponents early to jump quickly a 3-0 lead with their physical strength proving to be an advantage over their much smaller opponents. However, the Brazilians slowly got back into the game, displaying some of the skill that they are renowned for to only trail 3-2 at the break. It was an enthralling second half as the teams traded goals with the Ukrainians showing great poise to hold out their South American opponents.

Result: Ukraine 6 def Brazil 4

Argentina vs Timor-Leste, Melbourne Pitch

Argentina started this match off strongly dazzling their opponents with a combination of their skill on the ball and some classy finishes. However, the team from Timor-Leste weren’t to be outdone and showed plenty of endeavour to be only 6-4 down at the break thanks mainly to the efforts of Amaro da Silva, who scored most of, if not all of their goals for the match. In the second half both teams played at a frenetic pace with neither side giving an inch. Unfortunately, for Timor-Leste they were unable to bridge the gap on their opponents and went down 9-7.

Result: Argentina 9 def Timor-Leste 7

Hungary vs Ethiopia, Melbourne Pitch

This was a closely fought tussle with the ‘keepers of both teams making a number of excellent saves. Hungary jumped to an early lead before Ethiopia hit back to trail 3-2 at the break. In what was a high quality and enthralling match, the Hungarians showed that little bit extra class and the benefit of playing an extra game as they ran out comfortable winners in the end.

Result: Hungary 7 def Ethiopia 4

Nigeria vs Finland, Melbourne Pitch

This was another closely fought battle although the Finnish spent most of the first half camped in their own half of the pitch as the Nigerians struggled to break down their defence. Nigerian went into the half time break with a 2-1 after Finland responded to two early goals with a goal from the penalty spot. The second half started exactly as the first had finished with neither team giving an inch. Finland got to within a goal of their opponents, but two late goals to the Nigerians saw them run out comfortable winners. A team surely to watch in the latter stages of the competition and also a crowd favourite.

Result: Nigeria 5 def Finland 2

Norway vs Phillipines, Melbourne Pitch

As the teams lined up for the start of this match, it looked like a David vs Goliath clash as the Norwegians towered over their diminutive opponents. However, the Phillipines surprised many, including their opponents by quickly jumping to a 2-0 lead. The team from the Phillipines was making best use of their speed and agility against their much larger opposition, with Jay De Jesus causing headaches for the Norwegians throughout the match. It was one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament so far, the Norwegians strength and size advantage told in the end as they extended a 4-3 advantage at half time to 8-4 by the time the full time whistle blew.

Result: Norway 8 def Phillipines 4

Argentina vs Ukraine, Melbourne Pitch

With both teams coming off wins, this match started of in a tight and tense fashion and it took three minutes before the first goal was scored. The half finished in a flurry after the early cagey start as Ukraine let 4-2 at half time. The Ukrainians stepped it a gear after the break as the match got more physical and the Argentinians became increasingly frustrated and in the end ran out comfortable winners.

Result: Ukraine 9 def Argentina 3

India vs Finland, Federation Square Pitch

This was a tightly fought contest with neither team shirking from what was a very physical contest. Goal scoring opportunities were kept to a minimum and scores were tied at 1-1 at the break. The second half was exactly the same as the first with neither team taking a backward step. India thought they had killed the game off with a third goal with only twenty seconds to go in the match. However they got a scare as the Finnish scored their second almost straight away to make for a nervous couple of seconds for the team from the subcontinent.

Result: India 3 def Finland 2

Colombia (w) vs Cameroon (w), Federation Square Pitch

This was a match totally dominated by the diminutive Colombian women (none of them appeared to be over 5ft tall), who were much better skilled and organised than their African opponents. The score could have been a lot worse for the team from Cameroon if it wasn’t for the efforts of their ‘keeper who kept the scoring damage to a minimum. Colombia look like the team to beat in the woman’s competition.

Result: Colombia (w) 6 def Cameroon (w) 0

Brazil vs Argentina, Federation Square Pitch

Clashes between these two countries at any level are always ones to watch. However, its probably one that the Argentinians would like to forget in a hurry as they were completely dominated by a Brazilian team, who after their loss earlier in the day, was on top of its game and could do no wrong. The Argentinians were hampered by the fact that their number one ‘keeper was out of action and had to rely on a reserve. Whilst both teams showed great skill, it was the Brazilians that had the composure to finish off their moves. Hopefully, the team from Argentina can pick themselves up for the remainder of their games.

Result: Brazil 15 def Argentina 3

Australia vs Rwanda, Federation Square Pitch

This was another one of those fast and furious games, where both teams were evenly matched. After taking an early lead the Australians were soon on the back foot and it looked like they would be going into the half time break with a two goal deficit. But on the stroke of half time, Australia’s man of the match Coen Slaughter pulled one back to make the scores 3-2. With the crowd behind them, the Australians pushed for the winner but struggled to break down a resolute Rwandan defence and it wasn’t until the fifth minute of the second half that Slaughter completed his hat-trick to bring the game back on level terms. The match then looked to be heading for sudden death penalties, when pint sized Stevie Maloney popped up to slot one home with only thirty seconds on the clock, much to the delight of the home fans.

Result: Australia 4 def Rwanda 3

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.