Paris Hosts DPC World Cup Soccer Tournament

On April 30, over 75 players and 50 fans came to Paris, France to participate in the first DPC World Cup Football (Soccer) Tournament. DPC Distributors from Spain, Wales, Germany, Benelux, Italy and France fielded teams while DPC colleagues from as far away as Greece came to observe and cheer.

Ira Ziering, DPC France president, awards DPC World Cup trophy to victorious Italian team captain Tiziano Taffarello.

Each team played two games in the morning to determine the afternoon playoff schedule, the Italian and Welsh teams dominating the preliminary rounds. The Italians looked unbeatable, displaying speed, finesse and a deep roster; while the Welsh squad played an intimidating physical game emphasizing rugged defense and teamwork. In the dramatic final match, the teams played to a 0-0 draw in regulation before the Italians finally prevailed in a 5-player shoot-out. In the consolation match, a young and determined Benelux team nipped DPC France to take third-place honors.

Thorsten Zimmer of Germany (back) and Alberto Rodriguez of Spain (front) vie for possession.

Other highlights of the day included the smooth technique of 14-year-old future star Alberto Rodriguez for Team Spain; the inspiring father-son combinations appearing on the German, Spanish and Benelux rosters; the stirring cameo appearances of veteran players Rinaldo Risso for Team Italy and Jean-Jacques Musitelli for Team France; and the best weather Paris had enjoyed in over 6 weeks.

That night over 100 participants relaxed their tired muscles and vocal cords on a specially chartered dinner cruise on the Seine. It was the perfect end to a unique celebration of DPC talent.