Day 30: Second rest day commenced with a training session for MD-1 for the two referee teams involved in the 3rd/4th playoff and grand final match. The middle of the day was a time to unwind with all of our referee crew down at the local pizza place for lunch. Following this, we were free to relax and prepare for the two big matches tomorrow.

Day 31: After the morning PCR and breakfast, we had a meeting with Pierluigi and Massimo, who with the Instructors and Assessors thanked all the referees for their involvement throughout the tournament and wished the two referees teams involved in tonight’s matches the best of luck, and I quote Pierluigi's message, “Complete the job as it's not finished yet”. The message was very clear that the job wasn’t completed, and these matches would require a lot of focus and concentration from everyone involved. Following the meeting, Chris met up with his referee team and went over the roles and responsibilities and prepared for tonight's match between Argentina and Portugal in the World Cup Final. Game time for Chris and his colleagues. What a Grand Final it was, full of exciting moments, fast and quick rotations and skilful play. Chris was very active in monitoring both benches throughout the match and required concentration on the pitch to support his referee team. Portugal came out winners defeating Argentina 2-1.

Day 32: A very early start for both of us as we wanted to make sure we were up in the hotel lobby throughout the morning to see off our referee colleagues and wish them a safe journey home. For us, we had the opportunity to stay another day and reflect on the tournament before departing Lithuania for Dubai.

Day 33: We finished the last day in Lithuania with a light training session involving a fartlek road/4x4 track run and stretching. Breakfast, then it was time to finish packing the bags and depart the hotel for Vilnius airport to make our journey home to NZ.

From Chris: “The tournament for me was very successful and rewarding. I had the chance to work alongside some of the best referees, assessors and coaches in the world. Furthermore, Antony and I had an amazing time working together in some quality and enjoyable matches throughout the tournament. I enjoyed the chance to learn new skills from all the referees that I worked with during my games and build some awesome friendships. For me, the highlights that stood out the most was refereeing the opening match of the World Cup and the Quarter Final match between RFU & ARG (which was a repeat of the World Cup final in 2016). However, the pinnacle of the tournament had to be officiating in the FIFA Futsal World Cup Final. Overall a very successful, enjoyable, educational and satisfying World Cup tournament for me. This could not be possible without the support from FIFA, OFC, NZF, Mainland Football, referees who I have worked with and my family back in NZ who have come along on the journey with me and in most cases made bigger sacrifices for me to do what we do at the top level. This has to be repeated for Antony’s family as well. To allow us both to do what we have done is extraordinary, and I am glad they have been part of our journey as well. Now for the journey home to the family to share the experiences with them, relax for a bit, then training and preparations begin for three years for the next World Cup in 2024.”

From Antony: “To have the opportunity to officiate at a FIFA Futsal World Cup comes from many years of hard work, dedication, sacrifice but most importantly, support. The support shown from FIFA, OFC, NZF and Central Football as organisations but also referee colleagues across both futsal and football during my career as a match official has been significant and humbling. Working with Chris closely on the FIFA Futsal list since 2014 and being involved in the 2016 World Cup allowed us to cement our partnership as referees on the pitch and gain a total understanding of how each other operates, which adds value to the matches we officiate across all levels of the game. To my family, your sacrifice has been the most honourable and valuable over the last few years but more intensely the last few months, so thank you for enabling me to chase a dream. Our focus now is on returning home and getting back to see our families and friends.”

Article added: Monday 11 October 2021