Florida Cup match between Everton FC and Millonarios F.C. (Photo by Tomás Diniz Santos)
The annual Florida Cup consists of four teams from around the world that come to Orlando to compete in head-to-head games for the title. This year’s event saw two major European teams drop out of the tournament due to COVID-19.
Arsenal F.C. of England and Inter Milan of Italy both dropped out within days of the tournament set to start. Arsenal was forced to withdraw due to numerous positive COVID-19 tests within the team and staff. Inter Milan withdrew the next day claiming there were concerns about the virus.
This left Everton FC of England and Millonarios F.C. of Colombia to play one game to decide the final July 25. In competitive fashion, Everton took home the trophy after beating Millonarios in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regular time. Everton goalkeeper Asmir Begović won man of the match in his debut for the club scoring the last penalty and making the game-winning save for the team.
The two teams had faced once before in their history in July of 1954 at the Temporada Internacional de Bogotá where Millonarios took the victory 1-0.
Following Arsenal and Inter Milan’s withdrawals from the tournament, Florida Cup announced two teams to take their place for friendly games. Atlético Nacional of Colombia and Pumas UNAM of Mexico will play Millonarios and Everton, respectively July 28.
“We’re elated to add two more legendary clubs to the tournament lineup, including the first Mexican side to participate in the Florida Cup,” Florida Cup CEO Ricardo Villar said. “Both of these teams bring championship pedigree to Orlando, and we are honored to be able to offer fans from Central Florida and beyond such an exciting trio of matches during this year’s event.”
Florida Cup this year is of particular interest to Colombian fans. The event this year features two Colombian sides and Colombian star James Rodriguez plays for Everton. Atlético Nacional, who were invited on short notice, won the tournament back in 2018.
Retired Everton and U.S. goalkeeper, Tim Howard, who has been involved in the event, visited the Pulse memorial June 26 to pay his respects where he met with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer as well as onePULSE Foundation CEO Barbara Poma.
The tournament will conclude July 28 where a doubleheader will occur. Everton will face Pumas UNAM at 6 p.m. and Atlético Nacional will face Millonarios in a Colombian classic at 8:45 p.m. Both games will be at the Camping World Stadium.
For tickets or for more information on the games, visit FloridaCup.com.
