The Neymar Junior 5-A-Side finals recently took place in Belfast in the Titanic Slipways.
Scandalously, the Balls.ie team Ballsy McBallsface were not present having been eliminated in a previous qualifier when team captain and star player Keith Andrews had to go and get his dinner.
In the absence of the Balls team, the Irish finals were eventually (deservedly) won by the Limerick based Whoyaplayin' who will now progress to represent Ireland in the World Final in Praia Grande in Brazil.
The winning team consisted of Padraig Walsh, Gavin Dillon, Sean Keogh, Lorcan Feeney, Niall Smith, David Lynch, Eoin Roiste
We recently caught up with team captain Niall Smith, to find out how they got on in the tournament and what lies ahead in Brazil.
What did it feel like to win?
It was absolutely incredible feeling. To think we actually overcame so many different teams to be there.
What tactical approach did you take throughout the tournament?
From the beginning we were all out attack. After a few matches you begin to learn how to play Neymar Jr's Fives a bit better though.
After the first round of qualifiers, we decided that 'not conceding' is a huge part of winning. So we started with a solid base and allowed our natural attacking tendency to manifest during the match.
What made you stand out against other teams?
Simply, we did not concede one goal in either the Regional finals or the National finals.
In my opinion, our focus and will to win was very evident in every game.
What was the best aspect of the tournament?
Representing Ireland in an international soccer tournament with your mates in Brazil. Things don't get much better than that.
It's the sort of thing you dream about doing when you're a kid. Unbelievable.
What's the story behind the team name?
Whoyaplayin' is our second team name. We started out as 'Smack your pitch up' but after much deliberation, Red Bull decided it might not translate too well so we had to change.
Dave was the one who came up with Whoyaplayin'. He was hoping to play mind games with the other teams. His example was: When they ask who they are playing in the next match and they get the response of Whoyaplayin'. We all appreciated the thought that went into it so we stuck with it.
What are your plans for Brazil?
I think I speak for the whole team when I say our plans for Brazil are to win the tournament. Obviously, we are all excited to travel to Brazil and experience new surroundings and cultures but first things first, we want to be world champions. I am very confident we can progress to day 2 of the tournament. I am extremely hopeful that we can win.
Congratulations to the lads and best of luck to them in Brazil - the jammy gits!
