This past Thursday the 10th of May, Team USA thundered to victory over the Canadians at the FIP World Cup Play-Offs in Casa de Campo, qualifying them to take part in the FIP World Cup to be held in Argentina.
Last week, both the USA and Canada had taken part in qualifying games against Guatemala – from which both teams came out as winners; on Friday the USA beat Guatemala 12 to 7 and during Sunday’s game Canada beat Guatemala 14 to 7. Having both already tasted success in this championship, these 2 incredible strong and fearsome teams went into Tuesdays match confident of their ability to win….sadly of course there could only be one winner.
Early in the game Canada took a strong lead with 4 goals to just 1 for the Americans during the first chukka, following which team USA fought back to draw level by the 3rd chukka. During the 4th chukka, the USA went into the lead 7 goals to 5 and from there managed to hold onto that lead, eventually ending the game 10 goals to 8 and thus USA claimed their place in the FIP World Cup finals and ended Canada’s World Cup dream.
It was a very tight-fought game, both teams played incredibly well, right up until the end it was impossible to call who would be crowned the champions. Well done to Canada, you were excellent and many Congratulations to the USA, we wish you all the best in Argentina!
Here are my photos of the match, the Americans are in white and Canada in red:
Following the game, a prize-giving ceremony and party took place, when the USA were awarded medals and trophies as the winners and Canada were awarded medals to commemorate their participation! Also awarded prizes and tokens of appreciation were Bobby Jimenez, William Read and Jose Lopez, who generously loaned their polo ponies to the competing teams to use during the tournament.
The FIP World Cup Play-Offs continue this week in Casa de Campo with 2 games between Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Games will take place this Friday the 13th of May and Sunday the 15th of May.
The Federation of International Polo (FIP) World Cup will take place in Argentina from the 10th to the 22nd of October 2011, where the USA will compete against other qualifying teams from around the world.
The FIP World Cup Play-Offs for the Dominican Republic (Zone A), hosted by the Casa de Campo Polo Club began last week on Tuesday the 3rd of May, when the 3 competing teams; USA, Canada and Guatemala were welcomed to Casa de Campo with a cocktail hosted at the Casa de Campo Polo Club. Over the following week the teams and their accompanying friends, families and supporters enjoyed a pig-roast dinner at the Polo Club, a Donkey Polo Match and dinner at the BeachClub by Le Cirque as well as a number of fun activities organized by Casa de Campo Living: a Cigar Tour to the Tabacalera de Garcia, a night out at the Casino Diamante Dominicus Bayahibe and a catamaran boat trip to Palmilla! Photos and more about these activities coming soon!
Here are my photos of the spectators, the prize-giving and the after-party!
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Spanish
This past Thursday the 10th of May, Team USA thundered to victory over the Canadians at the FIP World Cup Play-Offs in Casa de Campo, qualifying them to take part in the FIP World Cup to be held in Argentina.
Last week, both the USA and Canada had taken part in qualifying games against Guatemala – from which both teams came out as winners; on Friday the USA beat Guatemala 12 to 7 and during Sunday’s game Canada beat Guatemala 14 to 7. Having both already tasted success in this championship, these 2 incredible strong and fearsome teams went into Tuesdays match confident of their ability to win….sadly of course there could only be one winner.
Early in the game Canada took a strong lead with 4 goals to just 1 for the Americans during the first chukka, following which team USA fought back to draw level by the 3rd chukka. During the 4th chukka, the USA went into the lead 7 goals to 5 and from there managed to hold onto that lead, eventually ending the game 10 goals to 8 and thus USA claimed their place in the FIP World Cup finals and ended Canada’s World Cup dream.
It was a very tight-fought game, both teams played incredibly well, right up until the end it was impossible to call who would be crowned the champions. Well done to Canada, you were excellent and many Congratulations to the USA, we wish you all the best in Argentina!
Here are my photos of the match, the Americans are in white and Canada in red:
