Breakfast was completed, all 12 team units headed out at 10:30am to the intercontinental university to enjoy the climax of a region’s football development spectacle, the finale of the top four.
The third-place playoff was won by the Costa Ricans over the Americans, Sporting Kansas City, by the only goal of the encounter as both teams deployed defensive tactics depending on counteracts to steal it. It was the more enterprising team in the second half that was rewarded with victory. For the finale, Guatamala’s Comunicaciones versus the second-time finalists El Salvador’s CD Santa Ana was scheduled for a 1pm start.
The Final was dressed up with additional portable stands for the other 10 teams and chairs on the sideline. Acrobatic Cheerleaders entertainment commenced at halftime, and large sponsorship banners behind the goal on the safety net as the prized trophies were displayed.
The game, like many finals, before did not really excite as good team organization was evident; Solid goalkeepers and good possession tilted towards the Guatemalans. However, the weary soldiers toiled hard but never won the war of attrition as the final hour unfolded, 0-0.
Penalties, were introduced to find a winner, and as if the drama wasn’t already extended to the maximum, it took the very last of 10 kicks to decide the winner as El Salvador’s custodian cuddled the shot to win the championship by 5-4. CD Santa Ana are the 2016 Champions, congratulations!
Quickly, a stage, backdrop and the 12 flags were assembled, with announcements made of the category winners.
The Golden Glove was presented to the penalty stopper from El Salvador, Oscar Marroquin (#1), and Most Valuable Player was presented to Guatemala’s Carlos Lemus (#12), a midfielder chosen by four selected representatives including our Genereal Manager Clyde Jureidini who was honoured to do so. Explosion of confetti greeted the presentation of the championship trophy as rapturous applause was spread across the region’s 12 representatives.
The crowd drifted as we all had to scurry back to tournament central at the Fiesta Inn for departure to the awards dinner ceremony at the famous Arroyo Restaurant at 5pm. Showered, changed, and another bus ride through the congested thoroughfares, we arrived more formally dressed to receive individual certificates, branded team banners, authentic Mexican dinner served with rich tradition; Multiple meats, side dishes and drinks full of spicy delicacies.
A bit of fun toped it off, as always for the kids. 10 game stalls with prizes and surprises to be won, table games, a mock bull fighters ring was the Olympics-styled arena for an array of creative team games. From sack races to relays, to lime and spoon hustles, to hops with tied legs, the fun went on and on. Even the sick and injured among us miraculously sprung into action to try win a prize or just their competitive spirit bounced back to life. The Jamaicans did well to win a number of games and be second in a few others. Whatever the motivation, the evening closed on a high with typical Mexican band entertainment gracing the final event as teams starting departure in the early morning. Addresses and numbers were exchanged, hugs and smiles were shared as goodbyes kiss the tournament away.
Truly a well-organised event, everyone should experience.