It was great fun playing in the Red Bull Neymar Jr’s Five - world’s biggest 5-a-side football tournament (for Kuwait) being held at Salmiya.
Our team, Galacticos (Goa), was perhaps the only Goan representation in Kuwait.
The team comprising of Aaron Estibeiro, Elton Pereira, Jose Fernandes, Ali Asgar, Joel Fernandes, Dwane Almeida & myself Gasper Crasto tried our best to match the ‘naturally’ skillful & football-crazy Arabs in our group.
It was amazing to see our young, budding footballer Aaron Estibiero (from Macasana) capturing the hearts of spectators with his dazzling football and style, scoring 2 classic goals in the final match.
Though we lost, I feel it was a wonderful experience for the boys. Also, it is so amazing to see how a huge crowd is being pulled to the grounds to participate and play – by the sponsors Red Bull.
Amateur footballers of different nationalities residing in Kuwait laced up their boots and stretched their legs all night in what promises to be the biggest ever edition of this exciting tournament.
Fans too had the chance to watch plenty of fast-paced thrills played to some weird rules (no goalkeeper), and small grounds with a mini goal- and non-stepping D.
This year, teams that successfully navigate their way through the Kuwait qualifiers and national finals will earn a ticket to Qatar, where the Red Bull Neymar Jr’s Five World Final will be played and will get to meet Brazilian football icon Neymar.
We hope one of the teams that beat us makes it to Qatar, so we can be proud that we lost to the eventual winners of Kuwait!