Rangers battle hard in Buenos Aires

Rangers battle hard in Buenos Aires

The Sydney Rangers FC did Australia proud at the 10th Gay Football World Championships held in stunning Buenos Aires last month.
It was a very colourful event, with 28 teams from around the globe competing on the fields of Parque Sarmiento and making the most of the fantastic nightlife and gay scene around the city.
From Sydney Rangers’ four pool matches the highlight was a 6-0 win over the London Leftovers. The team’s final game against the fancied Philadelphia Falcons could have gone either way. However, the Americans made the most of their second half chances and won 2-1 to knock the Australians out of the tournament.
After their final game Sydney midfielder Joseph Roppolo looked back on an extremely rewarding few days.
“For the Sydney Rangers it was a tough tournament. We came in here after getting the bronze medal at the Outgames last year in Montréal, but we had lost a few players in some key positions, so we were pretty realistic about where we would finish,” he said.
“Overall it’s disappointing, but the morale of the team is good. It’s fun to be in Buenos Aires and we are here being a part of an amazing tournament.
“There have been some moving scenes, especially on the opening day remembering people who have died from HIV/AIDS. There are also great friendships formed and a lot of fun to be had.”
Argentina’s Los Dogos captured the championship, defeating British title-holders Stonewall 1-0. It was the first time the event had been staged in Latin America with the Argentines and teams from Mexico, Chile and Uruguay inspiring an increased standard of play.
Rangers assistant manager Tim Blanshard said holding the tournament in Argentina showcased how progressive the country is in terms of same-sex equality.
“Having the tournament in South America for the first time indicates how progress is being made down here,” he said.
“Certainly their hospitality has been fantastic. Previously tournaments have been dominated by American teams and it’s nice now that there are Argentinean teams, a Chilean team, Uruguay and Mexico teams and it’s really opened it up. The skill level and intensity has stepped up and it’s been great.”
The disappointing aspect of the event was that the tournament for lesbian players was cancelled after only five teams entered. London organisers are confident this will not be the case in 2008.
The Sydney Rangers were without doubt one of the most popular teams among opponents and spectators alike. The team is already looking forward to the event next year in London.
“The boys have done well and we are really looking forward to London,” Blanshard said.
“Already it is expected there will be over 30 teams and with Sydney Rangers growing and the word spreading we hope to have a really strong team next year.”
For more information about Sydney Rangers FC go to www.sydneyrangersfc.com.au.

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