PART TWO: Winning ways for Berdejo-del-Fresno at the 4th Annual World Futsal Cup Tournament
International Futsal Academy Head of Coaching and Sport Science, Daniel Berdejo-del-Fresno travelled with the World United Futsal Academy to the 4th Annual World Futsal Cup tournament held by USA Futsal taking place from December 27-31, 2015 in Blanes. The tournament followed a high quality and productive training camp at the FC Barcelona training facility ‘Joan Gamper’, alongside Technical Director of FC Barcelona, Andreu Plaza and USA Futsal National Coach, Vava Marques.
Berdejo-del-Fresno and Marques travelled with two teams, Infantil and Benjamin, comprised of talented young players from the World United Futsal Academy. Six players made up Benjamin providing an exciting challenge for both the team and Berdejo-del-Fresno in a tournament that boasted a high calbire of teams such as ElPozo, FC Barcelona and Corinthians.
The tournament began with Benjamin facing IE Malgrat in the first match; early on in the first half IE Malgrat took the advantage in the game taking a 4-1 lead. However Benjamin responded in a tremendous way and came back to level the score at 5-5 for the conclusion of the first half. In the second half, Benjamin went from strength to strength and eventually went on to win the match 5-10 providing a positive start to the World Futsal Cup Tournament.
The second match provided a differcult task for Benjamin against French side, Nantes and in a tighly fought contest with little to seperate both teams, Benjamin took a narrow victory winning the game 2-1 and earning them a place in the semi finals to face AE Babor, that Benjamin went on to convincing beat in a impressive 10-1 winning performance.
With the sound of beating drums and trumpets, over 300 spectators witnessed an exciting final and a great occassion for all involved. Following the half time interval with the score level at 1-1, Benjamin took the score to 6-1 with four minutes remaining. With fatigue and tiredness becoming evident from a hard fought tournament by the six players, IE Malgrat responded in a thrilling finale that saw Benjamin hold on to take a 6-5 victory.
Berdejo-del-Fresno said after, “It was a great experience for our players to play and watch the level of Futsal being played throughout the tournament. It was a pleasure to coach alongside Andreu (Plaza) at such an amazing facility in Barcelona and to now share this experience with Vava and the players of the World United Futsal Academy who deserve to enjoy this moment”.
Following the tournament, the players and staff were invited to watch FC Barcelona play Real Betis, providing a invaluable experience and memorable moment for the young players involved
