Outsiders clinch title with victory over Poland in Copenhagen

IT'SnotoftenScottishfootball claims a world title, but that's exactly what the Homeless World Cup team did in Copenhagen last night.

They successfully defeated Poland 9-3 to win the six-day street tournament, played in city's main square.

David Duke, Scotland's coach, told the Sunday Herald he was "ecstatic" about the team's performance.

He said: "We went out there today and really let the lion out of the cage. I really couldn't be any prouder.

"It was made even better by the fact that Paul Smith, our captain, won player of the tournament and Frank Brodie was one of the top goalscorers."

Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik attendedthefinalsandhandedthe trophy to the triumphant Scottish team.

Duke said they played "some of the best football I've ever seen".

He added: "Before the match, the boys were obviously nervous but we tried to play it down and we did the exact same routine we did every day. They were relaxed and focused on the game."

"England, Ireland and Wales were all knocked out in the group stages. That just proves the standard of football is high."

About 500 players from 48 countries took part in the annual event, first held in 2003.

The tournament uses football as a way to maximise social impact for the players involved - socially excluded, homeless people and people living in poverty.

Nearly 80% of 350 players interviewed by organisers after last year's event in South Africa said their lives changed after the tournament. Organisers said many managed to get off drugs and alcohol and to find homes and jobs.

Testament to that is Duke himself, who three years ago was homeless. He said the team is looking forward to a heroes' welcome when they return home.

"We are getting an open-top bus to go roundEdinburgh.It'sgoingtobe fantastic. When we get back some of the boys are going for further training. Andy Lannigan is going for his forklift licence and some of them are doing football coaching badges. Hopefully they can carry on from their success here.

"When we came to this tournament we were ranked 33rd. When we go to Australia for the next one we will be going as holders."

First minister Alex Salmond said: "It's fantastic to see Scotland champions of the world. It is a great achievement and we congratulate the team on their victory.

"TheHomelessWorldCupisan excellent event. That's why the Scottish government was delighted to be able to award the team £10,000 to enable them to take part in the competition."

Thegameswereplayedontwo pitches on Copenhagen's City Hall Square. Each team, of mixed ages and genders, had four players, including a goalkeeper.Eachgamelasted14 minutes, with two seven-minute halves.

Liberia, which played without substitutes after four players deserted the team, beat Denmark 11-5 to grab third place.Twomoreplayers,from Cameroon and Burundi, also vanished.

Authorities said they would begin searching for the missing players after their visas expire today.

There are an estimated one billion homeless people worldwide, according to organisers.

Afghan and many African players said they had become homeless because of wars. Others had a history of alcohol and drug abuse, or had lost their homes after falling out with their families.

Private and public sponsors, includingUefa,financedthetournamentandthe teams were put up at a youthhostelinCopenhagen,paidforbyDanishauthorities.