February 14 – Europe edged out South America in the final of the Al Kass International Cup in Doha, Qatar, with Paris St Germain reversing a group loss to Brazil’s Sao Paulo, winning via a dramatic penalty shootout. Arsenal overcame AC Milan to take third place.
The Al Kass Cup, the world’s most prestigious tournament for U17 club sides, saw PSG crowned champions for the second time in four years at a packed Aspire Zone.
Sao Paulo went into the game as marginal favourites and half term were 1-0 up, PSG fought back in the second half changing to a more attacking set-up and equalised to take the game into extra time where the scores remained level.
Two saves from the French keeper Sebastian Cibois were enough for PSG to win the shootout 4-3.
Finals day also saw Arsenal face AC Milan in the third place playoff. Arsenal took a 2-0 lead into half time and on 60 minutes had doubled the lead to 4-0. But Milan weren’t finished and quickly pulled two back before a solid, but often scrambling, Arsenal defence kept them out for the remainder of the match.
For winning the tournament PSG received $70,000, Sao Paulo received $40,000 and Arsenal $25,000. 12th placed team Schalke 04 received $4,000. Cash awards of $3,000 went to the MVP, Golden boot top scorer and best goalkeeper. Aspire Qatar picked up the Fair Play trophy and a $3,000 cheque
The tournament has now been played four times and is seen as important calendar date for the Qataris and their football development programme, providing a measure for the development of their own players and a showcase for some the world’s best U17 talent. The 10-day event was also combined with a community outreach programme encouraging local people to come to the Aspire Zone to watch the matches but also get involved in sports activities with an emphasis on participation rather than high performance.
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