Goals galore, dramatic action and a nerve-shredding penalty shoot-out shook the Javits Centre in New York to its foundations on 30 October as Matija Biljeskovic became the first North American player in history to book a ticket to the FIFA Interactive World Cup finals in Zurich.

Overwhelming tension gripped the spectators for the final showdown as the 20-year-old student from Illinois finally downed Mexico's Carlos Briseño 11-10 in the shoot-out. The win represented a dramatic about-turn in fortune, as Mexican qualifying tournament winner Briseño raced into a 2-0 lead in the virtual duel between Arsenal and Arsenal. Biljeskovic staged a memorable comeback to equalise midway through the second half, only for his 16-year-old opponent to edge back in front.

Chuck Blazer, member of the Executive Committee of FIFA and Secretary General of Concacaf, congratulates Matija Biljeskovic the winner of the New York round in the FIFA Interactive World Cup.
(FIFA.com)
Thrilling final
Biljeskovic pulled the score back to 3-3 with seconds of normal time remaining, sending the match into extra time and ultimately the sudden-death penalty shoot-out. Biljeskovic held his nerve at the decisive moment to fully justify his father's gift of a ticket from Illinois to New York. "It felt like I was really taking part in a FIFA World Cup match. It's just unbelievable. It's been a fabulous tournament, now I'm after the world champion title in Zurich," Biljeskovic declared before stepping forward to be crowned North America's top interactive player by FIFA executive committee member and North American Football Confederation (CONCACAF) General Secretary Chuck Blazer.

"That was unbelievably exciting. What I've just seen from both players in the final was totally fascinating. It was obvious that everyone here is a football fan with a deep knowledge of the game. I'm convinced Matija has it in him to win the world title. See you all in Zurich," declared Blazer as he presented the winner with a training set including an xbox and FIFA Football 2005 game. "I want our confederation to be on peak form," the official continued.

The big day arrives on 19 December 2004 at the Home of FIFA when the American joins Johannesburg winner Shimane Morkure and a further six finalists to contest the ultimate prize in world interactive football. On 20 December, the winner will attend the FIFA World Player Gala at the opera house in Zurich to be honoured alongside the greats of the game such as defending champion Zinedine Zidane.

Virtual fever conquers New York
FIFA Interactive World Cup fever has now spread to New York as well as Johannesburg. "We've seen a great tournament today, that was real football. The final had everything and it was quicker too. The FIFA Interactive World Cup is another important measure in promoting football. It was a lot of fun for fans and players alike," enthused Blazer.

Away from the virtual duels, players and fans tested their football skills in four different training exercises. Former US international Mickey Kydes, now proprietor of a football school, joined a coaching team passing on tips to the fans. "This is a superb opportunity to get to kids who previously weren't involved in the game. I'm aware of plenty of young players here in the USA who've taken up the game after seeing it on computers. Everyone wants to test his virtual skills in the real-life situation," Kydes observed. "FIFA is the first international sporting body to adopt this kind of platform for footballers and gamers. Even if it's only virtual, everyone can be a star, just maybe lining up to receive an honour with the best in the world. I honestly wish I could have given it a go myself."

Six further contests around the globe
FIFA Interactive World Cup is a unique world first combining on- and offline gaming with EA Sports hit FIFA Football 2005 on the Xbox and Xbox Live. The FIFA Interactive World Cup visits six continents between 23 October and 11 December 2004. The third of eight regional tournaments in the first FIFA Interactive World Cup takes place next week on 6 November in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). The series moves to Sydney (Australia) on 13 November, London (England) on 20 November, Seoul (South Korea) on 28 November, Paris (France) on 4 December and Berlin (Germany) on 11 December, where the remaining finalists will be decided.

Find out how you could compete in the FIFA Interactive world championship at www.FIFAinteractiveworldcup.com .