You May Know it as Burma

By: Bob | August 29th, 2006

Usually when we read about Myanmar finishing first at something it has something to do with a list of countries with the worst human rights record, but today the artists formerly known as Burma can celebrate finishing first at something else: the Merdeka Cup.

Yes, we are as stunned as you are that this competition has been held 38 times and it still isn’t broadcast into our living rooms, or even on the Internet via the Chinese pirates (we checked). This year’s version also featured Malaysia and Thailand, two countries ranked ahead of the 164th-ranked Myanmar in the world rankings, but countries not exactly known for quality football teams. Has there ever been an international tournament featuring worst teams than the ones that played in the 38th Annual Merdeka Cup? Probably the field that played in the 37th Annual Merdeka Cup.

This was the first time Myanmar has won the competition since that memorable squad back in 1971 that played with the name Burma on their jerseys.

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Category: World Football

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Joe

Northern Cyprus beat Zanzibar on penalties in the final, while Gibraltar beat St. Pauli in the 3rd place match.
marcus

Oh c'mon guys, passion for football is what these folks have - give them a break. Good for them for loving the game, playing it with heart and trying to create some competitive spirit in their corner of the world.
asdr

i bet they still play better football than you
Joe

There was the FIFI Wild Cup held in Hamburg this summer where "giants" of the game Greenland, Tibet, Zanzibar, Northern Cyprus, Gibraltar and FC St. Pauli's youth team (called the Republic of St. Pauli) played.