Since IPhO 2014 began with the World Cup Final Game, it was impossible not to try out a mini-World cup of our own right here in Astana. According to Alinur, a Minister of Sports at Nazarbayev University, 44 teams were set up, some consisting of mixed teams. 22 matches is the just the first stage of the Cup. Teams have not been able to finish the games in the evening as planned. Nevertheless, students are happy to wait for the night or next day games.
Daniel from Brazil, as a representative of the host of the World Cup, noted professional play of the participants and general physics aesthetics of the games. When asked if his team would like to meet Germany Physics team, he appreciated the idea but noted that he would not be looking for revenge or anything of that sort. Representatives of Denmark, host of last year’s IPhO, played some impressive games and insisted that the Football Cup itself should be the actual IPhO.
Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan’s southwestern neighbor, faced a multinational team of Suriname, South Africa, and Bulgaria, a rare combination even by European Footbal Club standards. The game was quite intense and the penalties favored the multinationals, despite all the cheers from Turkish fans present on the field.
The winner will be announced tomorrow…