Romania were again crowned as European Minifootball Champions after a thrilling tournament in Rethymno, Crete.
Romania had gone into the event as holders, after winning the first ever miniEURO in Moldova last year. This time around they made sure not to relinquish the crown, after a polished display in the final saw them overcome Croatia by two goals to nil.
The final provided a fitting climax to what was a fantastic football fiesta, as 24 countries battled it out at the purpose built stadium on Rethymno beach.
The stadium created a fantastic atmosphere, with capacity crowds watching the thrilling action, together with many hundreds of fans straining to view from the city streets and journalists from all over Europe reporting back.
After the match there was a glitzy presentation ceremony, completed by a stunning fireworks display making sure miniEURO ended in a festival of colour and noise, before the participating teams all mingled together, swapping shirts and stories.
Its this aspect of the sport that sets Minifootball apart, with President Razvan Burleanu commenting: “What we saw was more than just a carnival of great sport, what happened was people from all across Europe came together to celebrate with each other and create lasting bonds and friendships, minifootball is truly unique in this.”
There were some magnificent games in the run up to the final, with perhaps the pick of them seeing host nation Greece knocked out by an impressive German side on penalties as the match saw a frenzied atmosphere in the stadium. Germany ended the tournament in third spot, after seeing off new boys Russia in a play-off.
The other new teams to the tournament – which was only 16 teams in 2012 – also showed the depth of quality there is in the sport. Poland reached the quarter finals and the likes of Scotland impressed everyone with their sheer commitment.
Israel, who were coached by legendary ex Panathinaikos coach Itzhak Shum, picked up the fair play prize, while Germany’s Tigin Yağlıoğlu scooped the player of tournament award and Croatia’s Ivan Rancic was top scorer.
The city of Rethymno provided a picturesque backdrop for the football and Mr Burleanu was quick to thank the hosts: “We were immensely pleased and proud with the way the whole of the community embraced this wonderful tournament. Their hospitality will live with us forever.
Although miniEURO has only just finished, Mr Burleanu confirmed that plans were already underway for the 2014 event. “It is essential that we build on what happened here,” he said. “We must ensure that 2014 is even better. We are the fastest growing sport in Europe and we must work harder than ever to make 2014 even more spectacular.”