FOOTBALL: The Socceroos triumphed when Westerfield United’s annual five a side competition had a World Cup flavour this year.

All 32 teams that entered drew a country with the opening eight groups featuring the same line-ups that started in South Africa.

In a highly competitive day of football at Rushmere Sports Club it was the Wickham Market Sunday side playing as Australia that won a replica of the famous trophy.

True to form, England (Albion Mills) won one and had two drawn games in their group including a 0-0 with ‘Algeria’ but failed in the knock out stages losing to the eventual winners.

Paul the octopus did ‘Germany’ no favours and ‘Spain’ and ‘Holland ‘also went out in the second round.

The infamous Raspberry Blowers entered as ‘Switzerland’ but they were blown out in the group stage.

The semi-finals matched South Korea (Westerfield) and Portugal (Kesgrave Penguins) and Australia against Italy (Cops/Woodbridge Town) resulting in an Australia versus Portugal final.

Last year’s champions Wickham Market regained their crown and climbed the steps outside the clubhouse to receive a replica World Cup trophy following 63 games in the blazing sun.

Tournament organiser Danny Banthorpe said: “It was all about enjoying the day and raising much-needed funds for the club and many thanks to all who took part particularly the referees.

“There was one broken arm and one red card and we’re now looking forward to the Westerfield United European Championship five-a-side finals in two years time.”