The World has the Soccer World Cup, we at BIB have the Foosball World Cup. Many years ago a Foosball table was given to BIB by Etana Insurance. Etana Insurance has since been medged under the Hollard umbrella. The shiny red table was a hit with the BIB Crew, leading to many challenges, rivalries, plenty of laughs and thankfully no biting. With the 2014 FIFA World Cup on its way, BIB hosted their 3rd Foosball World Cup.
Participants names were randomly selected and paired to form a duo from different countries. Fridays were then renamed “Foosball Friday”, and the Foosball World Cup commenced.
The group games were always close making the tournament the closest and most competitive one yet! Keri & Robert who made up Portugal, took an early stand winning both their group games and comfortably earning themselves a place in the semi-final right off the bat. Roscoe, Lucille & Leanne also showed their dominance by jumping straight into the semi-finals. These teams were the ones to watch out for and the ones to beat.
The rest of the teams had their work cut out for them to battle their way into the last two semi-final slots. Epic matches unfolded. Fancy outfits, scary masks, facepaint, flags were all used to build the teams 'gees' to help give them that extra push. After the grueling group games, Brazil, made up of Kim and Ana, and Italy made up of Rhett and Louise, took the final two slots and joined France and Portugal in the semi-finals.
A spectacular Foosball Friday was held at the BIB Lapa, which was kitted out with in true world cup fashion. Brazil and France were 1st up to the table. What a nail biter, with the game going goal for goal right to the end. France took the game in the end by one point. Italy and Portugal followed. Portugal took an early lead but Italy managed to creep up from behind to take the win. And onto the final...France and Italy had yet another nail biter and it all came down to the final goal, Italy were the victors of the day, but not without a fight.
Well done to all the teams that participated and to the rest of the BIB spectators for making this such a spectacular event! Until next time, may the FOOS be with you!