Sky Sports' decision to broadcast 'Star Sixes' a new 6-a-side indoor football tournament featuring some iconic retired stars of the past is one that looked like a great idea on paper, but there was always a worry that it wouldn't quite live up to expectations.
Thankfully, that was not the case, and what we got was essentially an improved version of 'Masters Football', something we have made no secret of our love for in the past.
Over four days, we saw some great players prove that they have still got something special, and others prove that despite the fact that they can't quite move anymore, they are still fiercely competitive.
It was a lovely option to have over the weekend with so little football available elsewhere, our only complaint is that Ireland were not invited to play. Here are some of the reasons why we enjoyed it so much.
The entire format of the competition and the pitch.
12 teams, 4 groups, 4 days of action (2 for the group stage and 2 for the knockouts), and 20-minute matches (30 in the semis and final) gave every former pro who showed up a chance to prove they've still got a bit about their game.
The players on show were worth tuning in, there was always something happening, and it all flowed really well. A job well done, and it make for enjoyable viewing.
The fact that they had to keep the ball in play and couldn't rely on dodgy rebounds and booting the ball against one of the walls was a key decision for keeping the game structured, the sizing of the playing surface and the goals were spot on, and the pitch did look fantastic.
??⚡️??#starsixes pic.twitter.com/FXodWlB56Z
— Betsafe (@Betsafe) July 15, 2017
Good call.
Carles Puyol the mad bastard!
In the very first game we saw exactly why this competition was going to work; The players were taking it seriously!
Puyol nearly ended the already ended career of Phil Neville, looked bemused by the reaction, and then apologised on Twitter.
First 3 Minutes
Carlos Puyol with a very late tackle ??#StarSixes #Puyol pic.twitter.com/HJZcYi5reU— FootballOne_Two (@FootballOne_Two) July 13, 2017
Sorry man!! I hope your knee is fine. I didn't mean to do it. ?
— Carles Puyol (@Carles5puyol) July 13, 2017
No need to remind Carles to get stuck in.
Denmark nearly going full Euro 92.
The Danes were unquestionably the surprise package of the tournament as they knocked out England and Brazil en route to the final where they came up short against a quality France side.
Chris Sørensen was named player of the tournament, which nobody would have expected, for his outstanding play throughout.
?@youridjorkaeff smashes home the winner in the Final for France against Denmark #StarSixes pic.twitter.com/C6qWgMnXrc
— Star Sixes (@StarSixes) July 16, 2017
Well done lads.
How badly they all wanted it.
If Puyol scything down Neville wasn't enough, England vs Scotland showed everyone just how seriously this was being taken by the players.
Luis Garcia.
Ex @LFC forward @LuchoGarcia14 was at the double as Spain beat England to win the opening game at #StarSixes @TheO2 on Thursday night pic.twitter.com/0kS1k1kGpm
— Star Sixes (@StarSixes) July 14, 2017
The NBA-style player entrances.
Didn't think we'd enjoy this as much as we did, but then Jay Jay emerged from the smoke...
Nigeria are first out for the quarter finals, lead by skipper @IAmOkocha #SPANGA #StarSixes pic.twitter.com/wB9GPPoCVn
— Star Sixes (@StarSixes) July 15, 2017
Eric Abidal in general, but also this beautiful goal.
We knew he was a man incapable of taking a backwards step, but this was just a sublime bit of skill.
Eric Abidal. ⚡️ #StarSixes pic.twitter.com/c6IkGxC1Rc
— Betsafe (@Betsafe) July 15, 2017
Maik Taylor making his Nigeria debut.
A long time coming!
Maik Taylor was named as the standby sub goalie in case one of the original 12 went down injured, and when Nigeria were in need, he stepped up!
?Ex @FulhamFC @BCFC and @NorthernIreland keeper @maiktaylor1 on his debut tonight for Nigeria #StarSixes?? pic.twitter.com/lzybYKKJej
— Star Sixes (@StarSixes) July 15, 2017
Sadly they were beaten 11-3 by Brazil.
Michel Salgado being top scorer with 9 goals.
Not in a million years would we have put money on Salgado scooping top scorer honours in a tournament with Del Piero, Morientes, Michael Owen, Kevin Kuranyi, and Rivaldo, but Salgado was unstoppable!
Spain's Michel Salgado ends up as @StarSixes top goal-scorer! pic.twitter.com/3HRhTab2bN
— Sky Sports PL ? (@SkySportsPL) July 16, 2017
Alessandro Del Piero oozing class throughout.
Just a lovely man. Still a damn fine player too.
Like so many of the legends on show at #StarSixes, despite defeat @delpieroale has loved being part of this unique event @TheO2 ?? pic.twitter.com/0hQEhMvMhe
— Star Sixes (@StarSixes) July 16, 2017
Julio Baptista and the art of the laces.
Holy shit, Julio!
?That's why he's the Beast! @J_Baptista81 makes it 2-0 to Brazil #CHNBRA pic.twitter.com/Xi8NPqyxGB
— Star Sixes (@StarSixes) July 14, 2017
The reunion of old rivalries.
We saw China vs Brazil featuring players who played in the 2002 World Cup, Nigeria vs Spain with veterans of France 98, but also William Gallas and Luis Garcia having a debate about 'that' goal.
Champions League opponents in 2005, Gallas and Garcia renew their rivalry in Spain's @Starsixes semi-final against France!
Live on SS1 pic.twitter.com/GFTlKf547p— Sky Sports PL ? (@SkySportsPL) July 16, 2017
In summary: Gallas thinks it wasn't a goal, Garcia thinks it was.
Yakubu teaching the youth of today how to finish.
The Yak was a late call up after a drop-out for Nigeria, and he was clinical throughout.
A double for Yakubu as Nigeria triumph over China #NGRCHN #StarSixes pic.twitter.com/ODyNROAOs1
— Star Sixes (@StarSixes) July 14, 2017
Feed the Yak and he will score.
The players all staying in the same hotel.
This was just a cool touch that offered up some nice moments, and reunions we did not expext. Like, we'd forgotten Elano and Paul Dickov played together at Man City.
What a guy @elanoblumer ? pic.twitter.com/bucS5lIKJ7
— Paul Dickov (@OfficialPDickov) July 16, 2017
William Gallas' post-match interview after winning the final.
Legendary. Absolutely legendary.
That moment you realise Gallas was the voice of Cookie Monster...#StarSixes #sesamestreet pic.twitter.com/QfHXBTAzLc
— Chris Coward (@CJCoward) July 16, 2017
Star Sixes was a fantastic idea, well executed, and the fact that it was the first tournament is greatly encouraging going forward.
We're hoping for more of these events in the near future, just, lads, invite Ireland please? Robbie Keane and Duffer would be all over it!
