Greenland's Futsal Ambitions Shine on Croatian Stage
In a quiet hall in Labin, Croatia, Greenland's futsal players stand in a solemn line, their bodies angled towards their national flag. The red-and-white banner hangs proudly among those of Scotland, Morocco, and even the governing bodies of Uefa and Fifa. For this team, such moments are precious and rare, offering a vital platform to showcase their talent and assert their identity on the international stage.
A Priceless Opportunity Amid Exclusion
Despite exhaustive efforts, Greenland remains excluded from the continental federations that govern football and futsal. This means they cannot play official matches or qualify for major tournaments. However, Futsal Week—a privately run, eight-team competition sanctioned by Uefa and Fifa—provides a priceless opportunity. Here, they can compete against elite teams and make their case for recognition, while in football, they are restricted to games against non-sovereign states.
The timing of this tournament feels particularly significant. Against a backdrop of political uncertainty, with recent rhetoric from Donald Trump about annexing Greenland, the team's presence in Croatia speaks volumes. "Every time we travel it brings positive attention to Greenland," says Patrick Frederiksen, a star player and captain of the 11-a-side team. "We get more and more respect with each game, and people remember us. It gives us energy and strength to keep going."
Human Stories Behind the Team
The players' backgrounds are powerfully human. Frederiksen works full-time at an orphanage in Nuuk, Greenland's capital, while 22-year-old Rass Ikila Abelsen is training to be a teacher. Many squad members work with youngsters, and their care in interactions is evident. Abelsen, who grew up in the remote town of Tasiilaq, recalls playing football in temperatures as low as -20°C, fashioning goalposts from snow. "The young players I work with look up to me," he says. "We always talk about football and futsal, and they ask me how they can become a member of the national team."
The journey to Croatia was not without challenges. The team's luggage was delayed, arriving only the evening before their first match, forcing training sessions in whatever clothes they had. Yet, as Frederiksen notes, "We are spontaneous, flexible people and we take that into the game. We have to be, because in Greenland the weather is in charge."
On the Court: Triumph and Heartbreak
Their match against Romania, ranked 36th in the world, was viewed as a chance to set a marker. Greenland started strongly, taking a 3-1 lead by half-time. Players like Angutivik Gundel-Collin and keeper Aqqalooraq Ejvind Lund impressed with their skill and determination. However, a collapse in the latter stages led to an 8-4 defeat, leaving the team desolate but determined.
Coach Rene Olsen, who has led the futsal team for over a decade while running a graphic design company in Nuuk, reflects on the performance. "I hadn't dreamed of a first half like we produced," he says. "I thought: 'OK, they're finally performing at the level we know they can.'" The team's fighting spirit is undeniable. "We are fighters, it's in our DNA," Frederiksen emphasises. "We yell, we show our emotions, we don't hide them. We let it all out every time."
The Long Road to Recognition
Greenland's path to federation membership has been fraught with obstacles. Years of aiming to join Uefa were blocked in 2013 when European football's governing body forbade non-independent regions. Last year, hopes were dashed again when Concacaf unanimously rejected their application. "We thought that maybe it was time, maybe the dream was finally coming true," Frederiksen recalls. "So it was really disappointing, but it's just turned on a feeling inside us that we want to give even more."
Despite setbacks, the team continues to push forward. Their win against Malta in a subsequent match, with Aiko Nielsen scoring four goals in a 6-2 victory, lifted spirits. "This is what we work for," Olsen smiles. The tournament offers not just competition but networking opportunities, with Greenland's football association officials exploring possibilities like co-organising events with Scotland or other home nations.
Dreams for the Future
For players like Ikila Abelsen, the ultimate goal is simple yet profound. "My biggest wish is to play a home game in Nuuk against another country, in front of our own fans, all of Greenland together with us," he says. Frederiksen adds, "Whenever we get the chance to play, it's all or nothing. It means so much to us to change people's perspectives."
As Greenland's futsal team continues to seize every opportunity, their resilience and passion shine through, offering a powerful reminder of sport's ability to transcend political storms and unite communities in pursuit of a common dream.
