Edinburgh 2005 Homeless World Cup
Tom Hall Reports on the 2005 tournament in his home city of Edinburgh
Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens and majestic castle provide a stunning backdrop for the 2005 Homeless World Cup as 226 players from 27 nations arrived in Scotland to battle for the Homeless World Cup Trophy.
The Opening Ceremony, including a parade through the heart of Edinburgh, became a tribute to five African nations refused visas to enter the UK and play in the event just two weeks after the G8 summit discussed tackling poverty in Africa.
Jubilation soon rang over the court as the games began and it became clear to everyone that the standard of football was going to be higher than ever.
Scotland, roared on by a very vocal home crowd, enjoyed a fantastic start. A thrilling win over Brazil included a hat trick for the captain Gary Lipscombe.
With over 50,000 spectators packing the grandstands over the course of five days, the crowds were quick to pick favourites. Namibia’s Ataka Jansen, displaying fantastic pace and some incredible skills, was man of the tournament for many people.
Australia, joining the tournament for the very first time, looked like experienced Homeless World Cup competitors. Their seventh-place finish was enough to secure them the ‘Best New Team’ award and the seed was set for them to bid and win to host the 2008 Homeless World Cup.
And, this being the Homeless World Cup, eccentricity had its reward when the ebullient style of Slovakia’s Miroslav Randis was honoured with the Best Goalkeeper Trophy.
Further down the rankings the sheer joy that the USA players brought to the tournament covered up magnificently for their occasional lack of finesse. With the crowd willing them towards goal the US team simply celebrated being in Edinburgh. There may never be more popular winners of the Fair Play Award.
Ireland, supported as ever by large pockets of the crowd, kicked off events with a defeat of Italy. There was a deafening roar from the stands and more than a few tears of pride shed as the Irish team were presented with official international caps by the Football Association of Ireland. There can have been few more deserving recipients of that particular accolade. And the Irish team continued whipping up the emotions of the crowd as at their last match they held up a banner saying thank you to the crowd for their support during the week.
In truth it was the crowd who wanted to thank the players. 450 goals in 111 games, drama, excitement and more than a few penalty shoot outs added up to an event that became unmissable and unforgettable.
The Czech Republic claimed the INSP Network Trophy after seeing off the challenge of France. Wales, who were devastated to miss out on qualification from one the toughest groups, raised themselves to clinch The City of Edinburgh Trophy.
And England, who had promised so much but were let down by their immaturity, pipped an exhilarating Portuguese team to win the Big Issue Scotland Trophy.
As the week progressed it became clear that only three teams were going to be able to halt a successful Italian defence of the Homeless World Cup Trophy.
Scotland were the emotional choice and their never say die attitude looked like it might carry them all the way. The strength of the Italians was too much though and, after fighting bravely, the Scots lost their semi final clash with the reigning champions.
In the other semi Poland and Ukraine looked too close to separate until the strength of the Polish side proved too much in the closing stages.
The stage was set for a clash of the big guns in the final. Reigning champions Italy against a Polish side who many spectators – including a large section from Poland – thought could spring a surprise on the holders.
Even in the Homeless World Cup, however, experience counts and the Italians were in no mood to give up their title. Despite the stadium reverberating to chants of ‘Polska, Polska’ Italy held on to claim a 3:2 victory. The Homeless World Cup was going to Milan again. 
The sell-out crowd stayed in place as each of the players received a medal and every team picked up a trophy. England, Namibia and Brazil received special cheers as they entertained the crowd from the stage.
As the players gathered on the pitch abd Italy held aloft the Homeless World Cup Trophy, the crowd sang The Proclaimers '500 Miles one last time as Edinburgh said an emotional goodbye to an incredible and possibly best Homeless World Cup ever.
