Tuesday 23-01-2024 - 12:24

A round-up of Bristol SU’s World Cup Tournament, written by your Union Affairs Officer Adam Michael.

'Lasting friendships were made between strangers, core memories were had for people on their way out of Bristol, and meaningful integration was created between our student groups and communities. Although we'll be gone by the time the next World Cup happens, we're looking forward to hearing all about it'.

Bristol SU World Cup Tournament 2024 final results

• Champions: France
• Runners-up: Spain
• Third Place: Wales
• Player of the Tournament: Alex Lindley (Spain)
• Best Supporters: Malaysia- Malaysian Cultural Society

Round Up

“The Bristol SU World Cup Tournament, which happened last Saturday, January 20 2024, is something that Lucy Matthews (last year's Sport and Student Development Officer), Alex Robinson (Intramural Sports Coordinator here at the SU), and I wanted to do from last year, but the stars were never aligned.

“This year, with the emergence of the legendary Pat Gibbs (this year's Sport and Student Development Officer), and endless support from the SU Staff team, the event went from dream to reality. We packed the whole 3G in Coombe Dingle with over 150 players and about 100 more spectators (one of the largest crowds I've seen in the past 5 years at an event that wasn't the Welcome Fair).

“We saw flags from many different countries, including Spain, Mexico, Turkey, and Malaysia; all there to cheer on the players whom they genuinely regarded as representing their countries and were their heroes for the day.

“It was heartbreak for the Malaysians after a Penalty shoot-out loss to Italy in the Quarterfinals (after going on a fantastic run in the Group stage, conceding only 1 goal and scoring 6; and despite a star-making performance from goalkeeper Wajih), and it was the only time in the day that Coombe Dingle fell silent. We did, though, outlast England by a few minutes as they were knocked out by eventual champions France in regular time at the Quarterfinals.

“The Italians' luck ran out in the Semi-finals, losing to Spain, and were close to winning 3rd place, but fell short in the Penalty shootout to Wales.

“The Final was a thriller between tournament favourites Spain and France, who were both in Group B and had already played each other once. Spain went 2-0 up early in the game, but France turned up the heat in the second half to equalise in the last minute, causing fans to cry out for Extra Time after the final whistle. The rules, however; stated that in the event of a draw in the knockout stages, a Penalty shootout would ensue.

“The Malaysians, without a team left to support, started cheering for France and singing Ramenez la Coupe a la Maison (I may or may not have started this). In a close contest including great penalty saves, the French narrowly edged out Spain in sudden death. This event felt like a pipe dream to me, and I almost shed a tear as kick-off happened at 3:30 PM.

“There are so many people that Pat and I want to thank. Almost every single team at the SU played a role in helping us make this happen, and it wouldn't have been as good, or even happened; without the unrelenting support of everyone here at the SU.

“Special shoutout to KA & Sam (two senior reps), Abdi (PGR student), and UBAFC, who volunteered to help run the tournament with us. Last but not least, a shoutout to Bakhtawar (your International Students' Officer), who was there to blow the first horn; signalling the start of the tournament, and lead a lap around the pitch as a warm-up for the players.

“So many students had a great time at the tournament. Lasting friendships were made between strangers, core memories were had for people on their way out of Bristol, and meaningful integration was created between our student groups and communities. Although we'll be gone by the time the next World Cup happens, we're looking forward to hearing all about it.”

Scenes from the Penalty Shootout between France and Spain. France was at this point one kick away from victory, but had yet to find out

The Malaysian team and their supporters after their elimination at the Quarterfinals

The already highly-coveted Bristol SU World Cup Trophy, and medals which were presented to winners