It took penalty shootouts on both men’s semi-finals to decide who would join women’s teams from Laval University (CAN) and Shanghai University of Sport (CHN) in the finals.
The Dalian 2025 FISU University World Cup’s two men’s semi-finals took place on Friday and were watched by over 3000 people around the world on FISU.tv. The scenarios of both University for Development Studies (GHA) against University of Granada (ESP) and Paulista University (BRA) against Chouaib Doukkali University (MAR) kept them logged on for a long time since both games finished with penalty shootouts.
Best shots of the semis
In one semi-final, Ghanaians and Spaniards cancelled each other during the whole 90 minutes, finishing 0-0. And even the penalty shootout was tight, as University for Development Studies qualified for the final by beating University of Granada 5-4!
“As I came in, they gave me directions to calm the game down, because at that moment Granada were dominating”, explained University for Development Studies’ number 19, Ibrahim Salifu. “And then the team was really focused, because we know what we want. We are from a very very far place and hungry for success, so we needed to be focused and determined. That is what made everything possible. I think in the next match when we do the same, I think we will go places. Ghana, we are bringing the trophy home. Watch out — we are bringing the trophy home. UDS! UDS! UDS! Come on boys!”
Paulista University’s second final in a row
The other semi-final was more spectacular as Paulista University and University Chouaib Doukkali each scored three times. In the end, the Brazilians beat the Moroccans 5-3 and Paulista University will be able to defend its title, since they won last edition in Jinjiang.
“I think this is a very tough, highly competitive world cup”, smiles Paulista University goalkeeper and hero of the day”, Diego Rodrigues Silva. “Sometimes, it is not your technical ability that helps you to win: the mental side matters a lot too. We have to stay focused so, God willing, in 90 minutes we could be crowned champions!”
The women’s world champion will be crowned first
On Saturday, the university football world will have a new queens and new silver and bronze medallists. The final will oppose “locals” from Shanghai University of Sport to Canada’s Laval University. China qill have a chance to win a second medal, as Beijing Normal University will play The University of the Extreme South of Santa Caterina (BRA) for the bronze medal final.
You can find the official schedule (CET + 6) as well as the results on the event’s official website and follow the matches live on FISU.tv (which is temporarily on YouTube).
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