Neymar Jrs Five is about to name the best five-a-side soccer team in the world. In its third year the global soccer tournament has featured over 100,000 players from 61 countries on six different continents.
In the U.S. alone, thousands competed at regional qualifiers in cities all across the country for the chance to play in the U.S. The Finals go down today and tomorrow at the Wynwood Market in the heart of Miami.
What’s At Stake?
When those teams hit the pitch today in Miami, they each will have the chance at national bragging rights while simultaneously punching their plane tickets to Brazil for the World Final in Neymar Jr’s hometown of Praia Grande. In addition to the world’s best five-a-side teams, the Brazilian legend himself will be at the World Final to crown the champions.
How It Goes Down
The games in Neymar Jr’s Five are fast (10 min. long), and the pace even faster on surfaces that range from asphalt to turf. The field of play is tight – about 8% the size of the average pitch – which emphasizes ball control and rapid quick decision-making skills. The goals are smaller as well (1.5x. 08M), making pinpoint finishing extremely important. Teams also need to weather adversity since a goal allowed means a player from that team heads to the bench in this unique elimination format.
Where It Goes Down
Miami’s U.S. Final this year is a two-day affair that will see a festival-like atmosphere beyond the adrenaline-filled gameplay, all in celebration of the culture of the game. The Wynwood Marketplace will serve as the main stage for two days of matches as well as a Speaker Series hosted by former MLS All-Star Jimmy Conrad. His guests will include luminaries in different fields, ranging from fashion, to photography, to esports, but all related to soccer through their love of the game.
Some of the best freestyle soccer stars in the world will also be on hand, including Indi Cowie, Mo Ali, DJ Diveny, and Caitlyn Schrepfer. Their skills will be on full display for the fans in Miami. Spectators will also have the chance to challenge their friends at FIFA stations, and enjoy art, music, and photography celebrating the sport.
The action starts at 12 p.m. ET Friday, June 8 for Qualifiers and 12 p.m. ET Saturday June 9 for the Finals at Wynwood Marketplace. For fans not in Miami that are still interested in tuning in, you can catch all the Finals day action beginning at 4 p.m. ET on the Neymar Jr’s Five Facebook page.