2001: New-look format suits Europe
Thursday 1 January 2009
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Action from the 2001 UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup (©UEFA)
There was a change in format ahead of the 2001 UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup, the third edition of the competition, with the representatives of each continent – hosts Italy, Spain, Portugal and the Czech Republic for Europe; Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria and Mali for Africa – playing against opponents from the other confederation with the points gained added to the continent's total to find the winning confederation.
Entertaining opening
In the event Europe dominated, winning ten and drawing five of the 16 matches held. Portugal and Spain, in particular, were impressive from the off, João Paiva and Mário Carlos both scoring twice as the former overpowered Nigeria 6-0 and Jorge Piña also hitting a double in Spain's 5-0 defeat of Mali. Italy had to rely on Cesare Bovo's goal to see off a spirited Cameroon in Bari, while two Tomáš Jun strikes were not enough for the Czechs to secure victory against Ghana in Bisceglie, Michael Ocansey giving the African side a 3-3 draw with a 90th-minute equaliser.
Big draws
There was more success for the Ghanaians two days later, Ocansey striking again to earn a 1-1 draw with Portugal, while Cameroon and Nigeria also bounced back from their opening-day setbacks. The former drew 1-1 with Spain, Andre III Wilf Zame securing a point with a second-half equaliser, while Nigeria shared the same scoreline with the Cezchs, and were only denied victory by Pavel Fořt's late strike. There was less good fortune for Mali, however, who went down 3-0 to Italy and the hosts picked up a third straight win on Matchday 3, Orlando Fanasca's strike defeating Ghana, while Spain overcame Nigeria by the same scoreline. Jun's hat-trick helped the Czech Republic to a 3-1 win against Cameroon, while Mali's efforts were finally rewarded as they bounced back from conceding twice in the first six minutes to force a 2-2 draw with Portugal.
Nigeria victory
In the fourth and final round of fixtures, Portugal went 2-0 down after 13 minutes against Cameroon, Achille Njanke scoring twice, yet recovered to win 4-2. There was more drama elsewhere, Africa finally recording their first win of the competition thanks to Aderemi Obey's 40th-minute goal against Italy in Bari, a result which gave Spain the chance to retain the individual title. The Iberian side duly took their opportunity with a 2-0 win against Ghana, and the Czechs also finished on a high note as Jun scored again to set them on their way to a 3-0 win against Mali.
Gala match
With Sulley Muntari, Alberto Aquilani, Ricardo Quaresma, Fabio Quagliarella, Raúl Meireles and Václav Svěrkoš all appearing, fans had the chance to see the stars of tomorrow at close hand but it was established talents who took centre stage in the Gala match, featuring all-star squads from each continent. Europe's selection prevailed 4-0, Bruno Giordino scoring twice and Bruno Conti and Michael Laudrup once each as a squad also including Alessandro Altobelli, Guido Buchwald and Thomas Ravelli, among others, overcame Africa's selection which featured the likes of Roger Milla, Abédi Pelé and Thomas Nkono, to crown a successful tournament for their confederation.
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