It is another year back on the fields of Seaside Park. It is another day in the middle of the cold, with everyone bundled up and drinking hot chocolate to stay warm. However, UB students and other fans stayed to watch one of the best events in UB, World Cup UB 2004! People were screaming for their favorite teams, wondering who will be the winner this year!This year, only three countries had signed up for the event. The tournament was structured differently. There were a total of three games, and each team was required to compete twice. The team with the most victories would win the world cup.
The first game was between Japan and Korea. During the first half of the game, Japan was leading 2-1. Then by the second half, within the last 15 minutes, Korea regained strength and was able to make 3 goals. In the end, Korea won, 4-2. The second game involved the arch rivals, Japan and Africa. If many of you do not know, every year the tournament boils down to Japan and Africa. This year Africa regained their victory 7-2, and cleared Japan out of the picture. The final stretch was between Korea and Africa. They were tied with one win each; this game would solve it all. Each team was discussing their strategies. Africa began with a song, to bring encouragement. The Korean team got their fans reved up with a cheer. The two teams met and shook hands as the referee went over the rules. At this point the inclement weather became worse: the rain started to fall heavily, the winds blew stronger, and temperatures were beginning to drop. Yet the two teams were willing to give it their all. Africa won the game 7-3 to become the third-time overall victors of the UB World Cup (Japan had won last year). Although there were only 3 teams that participated and the weather was unpredictable, the tournament was a success. These individuals were here to play, and show the unity of nations.