Brazil wins World Military Women's Soccer Championship at Keesler

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eric Summers
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. (AFNS) --  Brazil defeated South Korea 1-0 to capture the gold medal in the 5th Counseil Du International Sports Militaire World Military Women's Soccer Championship held June 13 here. 

The championship, hosted by Keesler Air Force Base officials and played at the Biloxi High School Stadium and Gulfport Sports Complex, featured military teams from Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, The Netherlands, South Korea and the United States.

The lone goal of the championship game, scored in the fifth minute, was all the undefeated Brazilians needed to capture the championship. 

The Netherlands took the bronze medal coming from behind to defeat France 2-1. France drew first blood with a penalty kick goal, 21 minutes into the game. The Netherlands tied the game with their first goal late in the second half at 1-1. A dramatic second goal by The Netherlands in the final moments clinched the win.

France took fourth place followed by Germany, Canada and the United States.

"It has been a great tournament with a lot of fast-paced action," said Col. Ian Dickinson, the 81st Training Wing commander. "Everybody came out here to play and put everything into the game and had great world class matches."

"The matches have been very interesting," said Col. Stefan Marginean, an official CISM representative from Romania. 

The matches were difficult and fast-paced with lots of action, said France Coach Phillipe Lemain.

"I have enjoyed every game," said Harry Scrivener, who with his wife, Sylvia, traveled from Florida to see the matches. "We have been here for the whole tournament and it has been fantastic. We are enjoying the skill level and sportsmanship of the teams and are very grateful for Keesler, the sponsors and the Gulf Coast for hosting this event."

During the tournament, eight base squadrons sponsored the different teams. 

"The matches were exciting, but the important thing is that the military can compete on this field and not the battlefield," Colonel Marginean said.

"We also received great support from community sponsors for this event," Colonel Dickinson said. "They sponsored a cultural day event, a pool party at the Hard Rock and a schooner ride for the participants."

During cultural day, participants were treated to Southern hospitality with crawfish and shrimp. The event was open to the entire base and allowed the players to socialize and bond with the other teams as well as with people from across the base. Organizers said this is the main point of CISM and encourages the motto of "Friendship through Sports."

"I enjoyed a lot of good matches and also had a great time," said Lt. Col. Dagoberto Pinto, a CSC member from Brazil. "I've never been to the South, but the people are very friendly and I feel like I'm at home. It was very good to meet and socialize with the many teams; it was a good feeling of the CISM motto. "

"It is great to see the amount of people, local and distant, to come and watch the game," Colonel Dickinson said. "The community loved the event and base as well."