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Rosenmeier out, new-comers dominate 2016 FIFA Interactive WC

Xinhua, March 22, 2016 Adjust font size:

New-comers from Europe dominated the 2016 FIFA Interactive World Cup Grand Final tournament on Monday here, while top-ranked August Rosenmeier failed to make through the first round.

Ivan Lapanje from Sweden and Mohamad Al-Bacha of Denmark advanced into the semifinals of the event from the PlayStation 4 zone, while Sean Allen of England and Dylan Bance from France emerged from the Xbox One groups to fight for the title of the annual event.

16 PlayStation gamers and 16 Xbox gamers were divided into 8 groups with the winner of each console zone entering the championship match on Tuesday. They will play one game on PlayStation and one on Xbox to decide the ultimate champion.

"This is amazing. I had no expectation of this," said 17-year-old Al-Bacha. "This is my first time qualifying for the Grand Final and my first time into top 4, too. I was nervous. But I tried to be calm, to focus on the game."

This is also the first time for Lapanje and Allen to play in the Grand Final. Bance is the only experienced player of the last 4 as he competed in the 2015 tournament.

"This is my first try in the Grand Final. I trust my level. I think I still have more to give out," Lapanje said.

Rosenmeier, the 2014 winner and biggest favorite of the event, recorded only 1-1-1 in group A to finish third. Top 2 players of each group advance into the knock-out round.

The Denish lost 2-1 to Lapanje, which was crucial to his fate.

"I won't complain to anything. All the fault was mine. I should not lose the game to Lapanje," said Rosenmeier, who was into the top 4 in 2015.

"I was too nervous. I know I'm one of the most experienced players here, but it also gave me pressure. I felt lots of pressure. I wanted to play well," he added.

The champion will win 20,000 US dollars award and a trip to FIFA Ballon d'Or. Endi