Showtime for Homeless World Cup

Swiss homeless star Reudi Kalin gets in some practice

The fourth Homeless World Cup kicked off in Cape Town with the hosts South Africa beating Chile 2-1.

Over 500 players from 48 countries are playing in the tournament which aims to tackle global poverty through sport.

Last year's winners Italy play teams such as Afghanistan, China, Brazil, USA, Ireland, England and Scotland.

Portugal legend Eusebio kicked the first ball and said: "It demonstrates that grass roots soccer can change lives, change the world."

He added: "To open and to kick off the Homeless World Cup is a poignant moment for everyone.

"In particular, for all the players involved standing proud to represent their country and taking courage to change their lives."

Football is for everyone. Get into the Homeless World Cup. I do Rio Ferdinand

The concept of the football tournament was initiated in 2001 by Mel Young, co-founder of Big Issue Scotland, and Austrian Harald Schmeid.

The first Homeless World Cup took place in July 2003 in Graz, Austria with 18 countries competing, made up of homeless persons or by persons making their income on selling street papers.

Following the success in Austria, the tournament has become an annual event, with Sweden and Scotland hosting in 2004 and 2005. Denmark host next year's World Cup.

Two reporters from the Tackling Skills programme - a partnership between BBC Sport, the Football Federation and the Foyer Federation - are following the action and write for the Homeless World Cup site and BBC Sport Interactive.

More on Tackling Skills and the reporters

Two big fans of the tournament are Manchester United stars Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown, who dropped in on a training session with England's Homeless World Cup squad.

Rio passes on advice to England's Homeless World Cup team

Brown said: "They're a great bunch of lads who are working really hard to prepare themselves for the challenge ahead. I'm sure they'll do their country proud.

Ferdinand added: "You love football, but how do you train if you are homeless? How do you travel to compete if you do not have a passport?

"Football is for everyone. Get into the Homeless World Cup. I do."

Basic rules of street soccer:

Teams can be all male, all female or mixed

Maximum of four players per team on the pitch - three outfield players and goalkeeper

Plus four substitutes ('flying' or 'rolling' substitutions apply)

Squad must not exceed eight players

Matches consist of two halves of seven minutes each

Size of pitch or court: 22 metres long x 16m wide

Goal size: 4 m wide x 1.30m height, depth approx. 1 m

Ball size: normal ball used