It's official.  The world cup is over.  Ghana pipped Nigeria to become World Champions and pick up the Apple Sourz Trophy with North Korea edging out Germany in the MD 20/20 Shield.  Spain also gained some success with a victory against Brazil in the Buckfast Bowl.
 
A glorious day again at Old Anniesland with just a hint of rain welcomed the 10 nations to the 5 aside GHK World Cup tournament.  South Korea looked strong early on with 3 good wins in pool A, losing only to Netherlands, and along with Italy qualified for the semi finals of the main competition.  North Korea and Netherlands went into the second tier MD 20/20 Shield while Spain finished bottom of the pool and went straight to the final of the Buckfast Bowl.  Pool B was a much tighter affair with every team beating each other but eventually Ghana and Nigeria qualified for the semis with Germany and Uruguay in the 2nd tier and a Brazilian side struggling to cope with the hot and humid Glasgow sun came rock bottom to play off against Spain.
 
Spain then beat Brazil to lift the Buckfast Bowl while the Germans and North Koreans came through their respective semis to meet in the MD 20/20 final which North Korea went on to win.  The main competition final then saw a repeat of the opening fixture as the African contingent impressed.  Ghana went through to the final via a penalty shoot out victory over Italy while Nigeria defeated the South Koreans.  Having beaten Ghana in the pool stages, Nigeria were favourites to win, particularly as their keeper won the player of the tournament award sponsored by Lambrini.  However Ghana shocked the Nigerians and went on to lift the Apple Sourz Trophy.
 
A great tournament was followed by retiring to the bar to watch the other world cup with our world famous quality burgers on the bbq.  Congratulations to all involved!

This article was posted on 4-Jul-2010, 13:52 by Hugh Barrow.