Copyright theleader
As widely anticipated, England achieved a clean sweep in Week One of the Walking Football World Nations Cup at Sports City in Torrevieja. The reigning World Champions secured gold in all three categories: Women’s Over 40s, Men’s Over 50s, and Men’s Over 70s, defeating France, Italy and the Netherlands respectively in the finals. Spain, however, delivered a spirited performance throughout the tournament, showing promise despite mixed results. In the Men’s Over 50s competition, Spain opened with a well-earned 2–2 draw against England before securing victories over Australia, Portugal, the Basque Country, and Singapore. Dropped points against Italy and Scotland prevented the hosts from reaching the final, but they rallied to defeat Scotland in the bronze medal match, claiming a well-deserved third place. The Women’s Over 40s team also began strongly, notching wins against Japan, Australia and Wales in their first three matches. Despite subsequent defeats to England, the Czech Republic and France, they advanced to the bronze medal match, where they were again beaten by the Czech Republic, ultimately finishing fourth. Week Two Draw: 28–31 October With Week One concluded, the second phase of the competition begins on Tuesday at Sports City, featuring the Women’s Over 60s, Women’s Over 50s and Men’s Over 60s categories—marking the first time these age groups have been included in this expanded tournament. Spain will compete in the Women’s Over 50s and Men’s Over 60s competitions. The Men’s team opens against Canada at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, while the Women face France an hour later at 1:00 p.m. Women’s Over 60s This four-nation round-robin group begins with Japan vs Wales and Australia vs England. All teams will face each other to determine the semi-final matchups. Women’s Over 50s Seven teams make up a single group in this category. Opening fixtures feature England vs Hong Kong, France vs Spain and Wales vs Australia. Canada has a bye in the first round and will begin their campaign later on Tuesday against France.The top four teams will advance to the semi-finals, with league standings determining the pairings. Men’s Over 60s A total of 13 nations are competing in this category, divided into two groups—one of seven teams and one of six: Group A: England, Hong Kong, Jersey, Japan, Basque Country, France, Northern Ireland Group B: Spain, Australia, Italy, Czech Republic, Canada, Morocco The top four teams from each group will qualify for the quarter-finals. Details of all the fixtures, schedules and results can be found at: https://spainwalkingfootball.com
