Reds march on in futsal challenge
By NG WEI LOON
weiloon@thestar.com.my
Photos by CHUA KOK HWA
LIVERPOOL Supporters Club Malaysia’s (LSCM) Vincent Zavier was a pivotal figure in putting his side through to the final of the Carlsberg Futsal Cup final at 1Utama in Petaling Jaya recently.
In the semi-final encounter alone, the 29-year-old officer with a local municipal council slotted all the four goals and ended the campaign of hosts team Carlsberg Supply Chain with a convincing 4-1 victory.
Vincent said it was a satisfying performance and joy to score all the goals in the semis.
“It was a great feeling to score and contribute to the team. I did not keep track of the number of goals that I have netted earlier including the three preliminary group matches as well as the quarter-final,” he added.
Backing the three lions: Barnes (left) and Ravn showing their support for England.
However, Vincent had a more quiet game against Adoi in the final and allowed his teammates, B. Kannan and B. Parthiban, to share the limelight as they went on to emerge as champions.
The duo were the toast of the side who picked up the RM10,000 prize money with Kannan firing the opening goal for LSCM in the first half while Parthiban added another two more goals to chalk up a 3-0 win over Adoi.
Runners-up Adoi settled for RM5,000 while Tamil Nesan edged Supply Chain 3-1 for the third spot and took home RM2,500.
A total of 16 teams took part in the competition and the hosts also took the opportunity to reveal their plans in backing England for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Former Liverpool and England football star John Barnes was also in town and made a special appearance to show his support for the campaign to celebrate the month-long football carnival.
Winning combination: LSCM duo of Parthiban (second from left) and Vincent (third from left) attacking Adoi’s goal mouth in.
The brand’s Malaysian managing director Soren Ravn said they have introduced their special tour buses and will be taking the football excitement on the road with their trade partners to connect with avid local football followers.
“Passion for football is all about connection, friendship and celebration. The buses will be filled with cheerleaders, percussionists and football fans to create the party atmosphere.
“We are planning to include the iconic English features such as British Royal Guards and British police ‘Bobbies’ to be part of our tour,” he added.
The winning team of the tournament will also get the chance to have a kick-about with the stocky Barnes featuring on the other side in an exhibition match.
