The third annual FIFA Interactive World Cup (FIWC) reached its spectacular conclusion at the Final in Amsterdam’s Westergasfabriek as 128 of the world’s finest interactive footballers battled it out for the ultimate title of FIFA Interactive World Player 2006, competing on FIFA 07 for the Xbox 360. After intense action, some amazing skills and plenty of noise from the assembled fans, Andries Smit from The Netherlands emerged victoriously, having beaten Austrian Wolfgang Meier in a gruelling final that saw Andries’ Brazil team beat Barcelona 6:4 in the Grand Final.
The final match between Barcelona and Brazil gave fireworks from the very start as Meier’s team didn’t hang about and went ahead with a cracking goal in the third minute. Andries’ eleven didn’t have to wait long for the equaliser, which came in the 16th minute. Wolfgang’s Barcelona team opted for long crosses, while Brazil’s wing play strategy paid off as they went into half time leading 4:2. Then began a more disciplined and defensive second half. Barcelona scored a beautiful equaliser in the 65th minute only to be beaten by two Ronaldinho belters, who scored a sharp overhead kick in the 72nd, finally making it look too easy with a cheeky chip past Barcelona’s goalkeeper to reach the final score of 6:4.
“I’m absolutely amazed, stunned and delighted! I thought that it was just great to be in the Grand Final, but here I am leaving with the title and a trip to Zurich to the FIFA World Player Gala! I can’t believe it! The whole tournament was just brilliant,” said Andries Smit, after receiving the post-match plaudits and the USD 20,000 prize money from the official FIFA delegate and FIFA Executive Committee member, Chuck Blazer.
Successful one-twos and powerful shots on goal at the mere touch of a button highlighted the impressive display of football. The finalists showed great skill in guiding their heroes – Ronaldinho, Eto’o and co. – over the virtual pitch in much the same way as the “true” superstars.
“Congratulations to Andries, the FIFA Interactive Player 2006, whose incredible skills on EA SPORTS FIFA 07 have brought him this well deserved title,” said Clive Downie, Vice President Sports Marketing, EA. “We’ve seen some spectacular performances throughout this year’s tournament, with the Grand Final providing the crowing glory of talent. It’s been exciting to work with our close partners at FIFA and Xbox to provide an international stage for the world’s best virtual footballer to be honoured.”
“The final match looked amazing and we are really proud to have exclusively bringing next generation, high-definition football gaming action to players across the globe with FIFA 07 in the FIFA Interactive World Cup. The matches looked fantastic on the big screens just like being at a big match for real.” said Richard Teversham, Head of Marketing, Xbox Europe.
In a tightly packed arena at Amsterdam’s Westergasfabriek, close to 1,500 spectators enjoyed one of the most exciting virtual football events that combined the very best of real and virtual sporting action with appearances by professional footballers and music provided by The Infadels and local Dutch heroes The Sheer.
This year’s FIFA Interactive World Cup Final marked the end of a truly global event. In addition to the qualifying events that took place around the world, players from 25 countries competed on Xbox Live for their place in the Grand Final. This year’s finalists also met the 16 final contestants from the two previous FIWC tournaments, merging the virtual football elite in an explosive competition that required nerves of steel as well as skill. For the first time in the tournament’s history, the winner walked away with USD 20,000 in addition to receiving an all expenses paid trip to the FIFA World Player Gala on December 18th at the Zurich Opera house where he can rub shoulders with the world’s best football talent.
Click here to read complete article, (Source: Planet Xbox 360)
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