Pakistan loses Street Child World Cup final

Uzbekistan beat Pakistan to win Street Child World Cup 2018, in penalty shootout. (Photo courtesy: Muslim Hands Foundation)

• Uzbekistan won 6-5 in penalty shootout

KARACHI: Pakistan lost the Street Child World Cup to Uzbekistan on Wednesday, in a nail-biting final in Moscow.
Uzbekistan won 6-5 in a penalty shootout. The Pakistani players “gave a remarkable performance,” said Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Faisal Saleh Hayat. “The young footballers have won the silver medal and the hearts of the Pakistani nation.” 
The team’s performance is a good sign of the sport’s future in Pakistan, he said, adding: “The players proved that despite a lack of resources, there is no lack of talent in the country.”
Pakistan could make its presence felt all over the world if opportunities are provided to players, Hayat said.
More than 200 street children from across the world came together in Russia for their own boys’ and girls’ international football tournaments.
The Street Child World Cup is traditionally held in the country hosting the FIFA World Cup a month prior. 
The tournament’s aim is to highlight youth homelessness and inspire countries, governments and communities to better protect, respect and support street children worldwide.
Since its launch in South Africa in 2010, the competition has been held in Brazil and now Russia.