São Paulo – The Lebanese team won at the 7-a-side soccer category in the Amateur World Cup in Rio de Janeiro this Wednesday (11). The tournament is dedicated to non-professional players and the modality won by the Arab country is played by teams with seven field players over 18. It was the first time Lebanon participated in the championship, which is now in its 6th edition.
According to the organization, teams from over 14 countries have already participated in the event. The other competing countries were Italy, Argentina, Uruguay, Congo and Syria. Besides them, sports associations and institutions may also participate.
The Lebanese team won against the Sports Writers Association by 5-2, finishing the championship undefeated. Lebanon also had a team in the 11-a-side Supermaster with players over 48.
The country’s participation was supported by the Consulate General of Lebanon in Rio, which invited coach Gilson Makhoul and brought Lebanese entrepreneurs together to sew the team shirts. A Lebanese descendant, Makhoul had been an amateur player in the late 70s and coached Brazilian teams and a Portuguese county team.
Both Lebanese teams featured Brazilian players, whether they were Arab descendant or not. “It was very thrilling because of the current situation in Lebanon and the humble people that, even if they weren’t Lebanese descendants, proudly wore the shirt to give this title to our community,” Makhoul emphasized.
As well as over 40 athletes, the country’s technical staff included people like fitness coach Carlos Alberto Lancetta, who built his career in professional teams. Lebanon’s 7-a-side team also stood out for having the best field player, the player who scored more goals during the championship, and the best goalkeeper.
Translated by Guilherme Miranda
