Brazil wins 5th World Military Women's Soccer Championship Published June 18, 2009 By Senior Airman Eric Summers 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Brazil defeated The Republic of South Korea 1-0 to capture the gold medal in the 5th Counseil Du International Sports Militaire World Military Women's Soccer Championship. The lone goal of the game, scored in the 5th minute, was all the undefeated Brazilians needed to capture the championship. The hard charging South Americans booted in a total of eight goals during championship play to win. The Netherlands took the bronze medal coming from behind to defeat France 2-1. France drew first blood with a penalty kick goal, 21 minutes into the game. The Netherlands tied the game with their first goal late in the second half at 1-1. A dramatic second goal by The Netherlands in the final moments clinched the win. The championship, hosted by Keesler Air Force Base and played at the Biloxi High School Stadium and Gulfport Sports Complex, featured elite military teams from Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, The Netherlands, The Republic of South Korea and the United States. France took fourth place followed by Germany, Canada and the United States. "It has been a great tournament with a lot of fast-paced action," said Col. Ian Dickinson, 81st Training Wing commander. "Everybody came out here to play and put everything into the game and had great world class matches." "The matches have been very interesting," said Col. Stefan Marginean, official CISM representative from Romania. Phillipe Lemain, France's coach added that the matches were difficult and fast-paced with lots of action. "I have enjoyed every game," said Mr. Harry Scrivener, who with his wife Sylvia traveled from Florida to see the matches. "We have been here for the whole tournament and it has been fantastic. We are enjoying the skill level and sportsmanship of the teams and are very grateful for Keesler, the sponsors and the Gulf Coast for hosting this event." During the tournament several base squadrons sponsored the different teams. Things were very smooth thanks to Team Keesler and the eight squadrons sponsoring the teams, said Brian Mooers, Keesler's CISM project officer, "The matches were exciting, but the important thing is that the military can compete on this field and not the battle field," Colonel Marginean said. "We also received great support from community sponsors for this event," said Colonel Dickinson. "They sponsored a cultural day event, a pool party at the Hard Rock and a schooner ride for the participants." During cultural day, participants were treated to southern hospitality with crawfish and shrimp. The event was open to the entire base and allowed the players to socialize and bond with the other teams as well as with people from across the base. Organizers say this is the main point of CISM and encourages the motto of "Friendship through Sports." "I enjoyed a lot of good matches and also had a great time," said Lt. Col. Dagoberto Pinto, CSC member from Brazil. "I've never been to the South, but the people are very friendly and I feel like I'm at home. It was very good to meet and socialize with the many teams; it was a good feeling of the CISM motto." Colonel Pinto also expressed his thanks for a wonderful time, friendships gained and the hard work by Team Keesler to make the event happen. "It is great to see the amount of people, local and distant, to come and watch the game," Colonel Dickinson said. "The community loved the event and base as well." For final game statistics and highlights visit www.keesler.af.mil.