Brazil Wins FIFA Interactive World Cup News

After a competition lasting just under 9 weeks taking place across the world, the unveiling of the first FIFA Interactive World Cup winner has taken place in Zurich after an intense knock-out stage in the Swiss Capital, and perhaps unsurprisingly, the winner was a Brazilian.

Thiago Carrico de Azevedo, 21, of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, battled through to the finals in Zurich before defeating Matija Biljeskovic, 21, Rockford, Illinois, USA in the final. He will now join the FIFA World Players of the Year at a gala in Zurich. During the competition the Brazilian played as the French National Team, and overcame stiff competition at the event.

After his victory, de Azevedo said, "The final match against Matija was as tough a match as I have playedâ?¦We both were determined to play a tough defensive style and I was fortunate that my goalkeeper played so well. I'd like to thank FIFA, EA SPORTS and Xbox for treating me to an experience that I will never forget."

EA European Marketing Director, Clive Downie, applauded the winner, saying, "Congratulations to Thiago Carrico de Azevedo who beat fierce competition to become the first ever FIFA Interactive World Playerâ?¦The tournament's fantastic global success is testament to the strong partnership between FIFA, EA and Xbox. We are thrilled with the support and positive responses from football gamers across the world who relished the chance to knock out the competition and rise to the top of the interactive league."

Michel Cassius, Senior Director, Xbox Platform and Marketing supported the tournament and commented that, "It's been fantastic to see players from all over the world get so much enjoyment from playing EA's FIFA Football 2005 on Xbox and also qualifying via our online gaming service, Xbox® LiveTM, which now has a growing community of over one million members. Xbox Live members can't get enough of the gameâ?¦Next year the FIFA Interactive World Cup is just going to get bigger and better."

The tournament is sure to prove even popular in 2005, and should be a great advert for both Live! Weâ??ll have more soonâ?¦