6TH ANNUAL WORLD CUP OF FLAG FOOTBALL EXTRAVAGANZA
FEB 24-27TH-2005
MIAMI, FL
 

RESULTS

Mens Championship
USA 7 Canada 0

Semi Finals
Canada 13 Cayman Island 6
USA 20 St Croix 6

Quarter Finals
St Croix 19 England 6
Cayman Island 14 Mexico  0

Round Robin
USA 14  England 0
Cayman Island 9 England 0
USA 6 Cayman Island  0
St Croix 7 Mexico 6
Canada 13 St Croix 6
Canada 12 Mexico 6


Women Championship
Mexico 19 USA 18-OT

Semi Finals
USA def Venezuela
Mexico def Canada

Round Robin
USA 14 Canada 0
Mexico 12 Venezuela 0
Mexico 28 USA 6
USA 20 Venezuela 6
Venezuela 21 Canada 6
 

World Cup Recap

Canada last years World Cup of flag football men's champions had the opportunity to create more history if they could beat a USA team hunger to regain a title they held since the event took place in Cancun, Mexico back in 1999. Last night a quiet farewell party capped the most successful World Cup with 75 teams participating in our event over the four day period. The event as we have seen over the years has slowly developed into an interesting showcase. The event has it all, skill at the highest level, great competition, lots of winners, international colour and honour and a superb opportunity for the athletes to catch up with their friends from all around the world. Its great for some of the players that have been to at least four consecutive World Cups, they reckon that one of the best parts of the event is being able to compete fiercely on the field but to come back to the hotel and chill with an old friend is awesome. We all know each other and enjoy hanging out after the games and catching up on old times makes it much better an event.

Looking back at previous events teams were more or less scared of playing USA, Canada or Mexico. This year all that changed as the teams from Cayman Island, St Croix and England stepped up and competed fiercely against the big three. Team USA considered the strongest unit with home soil advantage were given a run for their money by both England and the Cayman Island while in the other group Canada scrapped through with a winning record beating Mexico and the under dogs St Croix. England lost their first two games after playing extremely well which illustrates that they are starting to understand the game much better, needing a bit more aggression and skill they will be a threat next year. The Cayman Island have improved although losing their third place ranking to rivals St Croix must be a bitter experience although they would go home knowing they are still an outstanding group. Mexico however came back after a year away and although didn’t lose heavily they still struggled to adapt to the pace of the game. Overall great World Cup for the men with enormous amounts of skill on display and at night all the guys hung out together to enjoy the companionship of their fellow peers. Cayman Island and St Croix have that Caribbean, relaxing flow whilst the English have their chants and party going culture on show all through the event, the Mexicans had tequila, USA had Mayo, Goodhart, Wilson, Muddy and co all partying, joking and having a great time and Canada of course have Ricky Andrade, everybody loves Ricky who for the record scored seven out of the nine Canadian TD’s in the event. 

Women's Final

USA women came in as favourites to retain their title and with Austin Bowe returning as head coach always looked to be a good outfit. The Mexicans returned after one year away and wanting their trophy back, yes a trophy they won every year without a question and we also had the well organised and improved Venezuela, Canada and new girls Panama. The finals between Mexico and USA is the best I have seen ever. The game started just like it ended full of excitement, Mexico scored first with a QB draw kind of play with Sandra Romero running into the endzone untouched. USA replied as quick driving down field to score an amazing 20 yard pass play to Scooby from QB Maria. The Mexicans put on another strong drive only to be stopped in their tracks by a sack by Scooby. In the second half both teams cancelled each other out until Mexico scored again to go up 12 – 6. The Mexicans used the ball well and slowly winding the clock down to under two minutes, USA played some solid defense and with Maria’s experience she started spreading the ball to her crew led by Scooby, Flipper, Sammy and Beth all making good catches. Finally Beth catches one at the back of the endzone to tie the game with a minute and twenty nine seconds left. Team Mexico had a drive with intentions of running out the clock and successfully scoring which they did with a TD reception by Maritza Samuel. USA then had their chance to tie but unfortunately came across some stern defensive coverage which resulted in an interception midfield. Now with less than a minute left in the game I would never have seen anything less than a Mexican win. USA played good D and somehow got the ball back with around 28 seconds left in the game, now Scooby had already played out of her skin and you know what she did it again making a great catch in the endzone with 13 seconds left to tie the game and force OT. In OT USA had the choice to go first and missed only for the Mexicans to score and win the game 19-18.

Around three years ago Team USA women were really nothing to talk about but recently they are starting to make a name for themselves. A solid performance by a good group of girls combined from Georgia and Florida and hopefully should be around this time next year. Mexico women congratulations on winning your fifth World Cup trophy in our 6th World Cup event and we can only hope it encourages the sport to grow and develop in your country.  

Men's Final

The men's final didn't live up to its expectation and was no way as exciting as the women's final game. The game had glitches of exciting moments but nothing in comparison to previous finals. The two teams had equal talent and cancelled each other out most of the time which made the game a defensive buffet. Both defense's were all over the place making most of the big plays with the likes of Adam Descantis, Jimmy Wilson, China & co played a big role on the USA team while Freddy, Billy, Marty and Dingsdale all made huge contributions on the Canadian defense. Ricky Andrade was running the ball a lot, why I don't really know because if I could remember last year quick short passes is what destroyed USA. Anyway USA new QB Norm P sat in the pocket for most of the game and tried to control the pace but Canada's DB were having a pretty solid day until finally a pass to Al Menino who made some superb moves finally got team USA in the endzone. Although I would like to say how much more was to come after the score it was limited action. Team Canada made several attempts to tie the game but all in vain and USA recapture a trophy they had won every year prior to their trip to the DR. Congratulations Team USA.

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