Men and women Expo2005 Futsal tournament - Updated

Today Sunday June 26 starts the second Expo2005 Futsal tournament. Compared to what I wrote a few weeks ago about this new tournament, there are some changes.

First of all, this time not only the Yomiuri Shimbun will sponsor, but also the Expo Association that - considering the number of people they put in the loop - sees clearly the value of such a big international and sportive event.
What else? Well, there is also a Women football tournament that takes place at the same time as the Men tournament. Participating countries for the women are Switzerland-Austria, Nordic Countries, Seto Nippon, Belgium, Global House, Switzerland, Croatia and All Japan. I'm sure the spirit of the games will be more friendly than a women's game this weekend in Kerkrade (the Netherlands), where they started fighting after a mean tackle >>> watch the video

At men's side, there are 32 teams who participate. Belgium Men share Group H with the Bicyclist Team, Switzerland Pro and UK-Ireland. Belgium Men and Women play their first game on Tuesday June 28.

Croatia - winner of the previous edition of this Futsal tournament - kicks off the tournament against the Pacific Islands, today Sunday June 26 at 21.30. At the same time starts also the Women tournament with Switzerland-Austria against the Nordic Countries. Duration of the games during the qualification rounds equals two periods of ten minuts.

This is the program of the two Belgian teams.

Tuesday 28 June:
- girls play at 21.30 against Switzerland-Austria
- boys play at 23.00 against Switzerland Pro

Wednesday 29 June:
- boys play at 22.30 against the Bicyclist team

Thursday 30 June:
- girls play at 21.30 against the Nordic Countries

Saturday 2 July:
- girls play at 21.30 against Seto Nippon

Sunday 3 July:
- boys play at 22.00 against Ireland-United Kingdom


The tournament lasts for two weeks. The women's final will be held on July 7. The men's final is on July 11.
This is the updated schedule (excel-sheet) of the games.

Check out also the article "Expo workers get another chance at sporting glory" from the Yomiuri Shimbun, that interviewed Bero from the Croatian pavilion.

The 25-year-old employee of the Croatian Pavilion first encountered such a friendly event five years ago at the world exposition in Hannover, Germany, involving beach soccer. He said he still kept in touch with the people he played against.

Info about the Belgian team at the first tournament: "Belgium silver in Expo2005 football tournament" - pictures of the first tournament