Recently in Hong Kong one was able to witness one's first ever football '(unofficial) World Cup Final'! What's the story... This 'competition' runs an alternative to the FIFA World Cup, basically an Unofficial Football World Championship on an ongoing regular basis. It runs on an easy system - similar to that of Boxing - if you win against the current champion you become the world champion! This dates back to the very first international match - England v Scotland back in 1872. England won the match and they became Unofficial Football World Champions until they lost. A league table exists which tracks all time champions (Scotland are currently leading). You get a point for a win when you play in a World Champions Match and nothing for a draw.
As a football obsessive, you will love the idea of this competition as a wacky alternative to the more Official FIFA World Cup. However until recently someone didn't get the chance to see a live UFWC match. But following Australia's draw with North Korea, this meant that the recent Hong Kong v North Korea match would be an unofficial World Cup Final.
So now I could go to an actual Unofficial World Cup Final - living currently in Hong Kong made it possible!
I felt like a kid again - so excited to be going to a 'big match' - well the 'unofficial World Cup Final' no less - check out my match ticket in the photo!
It was taking place at the Hong Kong Stadium near Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island. I made my way there with three others for a fantastic day out. Entrance was 80 Hong Kong Dollars (6.40 UK, $10.30 USD) and well worth it. Hong Kong Stadium is magnificent. Nestled nicely in between two other sports stadiums, steep hills and gaping skyscrapers, this is certainly a venue with cracking views!
Skyscrapers are everywhere in Hong Kong - you just can't miss them unless you are well out into the New Territories. This means the views are normally stunning. The views from within and around the national Hong Kong Stadium are typically impressive.
But it was the football that we came for and despite Hong Kong holding out for the first half hour or so, they soon conceded 3 to give North Korea full control. Hong Kong did have some running and ideas in them but ultimately lacked skill and strength. In the second half North Korea added one more goal, to make the final score 4-0 and maintain the title of unofficial World Champions for North Korea.
Although North Korea looked a decent side and deserved their title as Unofficial World Champions they still managed to lose out to Australia for their place in the East Asian Cup Finals as the Australians later whipped Taiwan (known as Chinese Taipei due to political reasons) 8-0!
I met up with a few North Korea fans, an unusual occurance and I spoke at length to one of them to understand why and how they support North Korea. Interesting and perhaps a story for another day on Don't Stop Living!
You might wonder where the photo of the trophy is and why there isn't one of North Korea lifting it. It's a virtual trophy let's just say - remember these are the unofficial football World Championships!
I hope to attend another Unofficial Football World Championships someday - my own country is Northern Ireland and we have won it 5 times, sitting 29th in the rankings table. I hope to watch Northern Ireland play again for the title someday!
As a football obsessive, you will love the idea of this competition as a wacky alternative to the more Official FIFA World Cup. However until recently someone didn't get the chance to see a live UFWC match. But following Australia's draw with North Korea, this meant that the recent Hong Kong v North Korea match would be an unofficial World Cup Final.
So now I could go to an actual Unofficial World Cup Final - living currently in Hong Kong made it possible!
I felt like a kid again - so excited to be going to a 'big match' - well the 'unofficial World Cup Final' no less - check out my match ticket in the photo!
It was taking place at the Hong Kong Stadium near Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island. I made my way there with three others for a fantastic day out. Entrance was 80 Hong Kong Dollars (6.40 UK, $10.30 USD) and well worth it. Hong Kong Stadium is magnificent. Nestled nicely in between two other sports stadiums, steep hills and gaping skyscrapers, this is certainly a venue with cracking views!
Skyscrapers are everywhere in Hong Kong - you just can't miss them unless you are well out into the New Territories. This means the views are normally stunning. The views from within and around the national Hong Kong Stadium are typically impressive.
But it was the football that we came for and despite Hong Kong holding out for the first half hour or so, they soon conceded 3 to give North Korea full control. Hong Kong did have some running and ideas in them but ultimately lacked skill and strength. In the second half North Korea added one more goal, to make the final score 4-0 and maintain the title of unofficial World Champions for North Korea.
Although North Korea looked a decent side and deserved their title as Unofficial World Champions they still managed to lose out to Australia for their place in the East Asian Cup Finals as the Australians later whipped Taiwan (known as Chinese Taipei due to political reasons) 8-0!
I met up with a few North Korea fans, an unusual occurance and I spoke at length to one of them to understand why and how they support North Korea. Interesting and perhaps a story for another day on Don't Stop Living!
You might wonder where the photo of the trophy is and why there isn't one of North Korea lifting it. It's a virtual trophy let's just say - remember these are the unofficial football World Championships!
I hope to attend another Unofficial Football World Championships someday - my own country is Northern Ireland and we have won it 5 times, sitting 29th in the rankings table. I hope to watch Northern Ireland play again for the title someday!
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For further fascinating tales by the Football Elevens team head to their brilliant site and get educated about Premier League facts.. This article, DPRK Are Still Unofficial Football World Champions! is available for free reprint.
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