IT WAS a World Cup win for Spain as footballers battled it out to raise cash for good causes, including Oxford’s biggest street party – the Cowley Road Carnival.

The Cowley Road Carnival Mini World Cup returned to East Oxford on Sunday with 18 six-a-side teams competing for a chance at the trophy – a tiny replica of the real thing.

Players from across the county represented countries including England, Brazil, Romania, Venezuela, Syria and Albania.

They faced off in the sun on the 3G pitch at Oxford Academy, in Sandy Lane West, with the competition ultimately won by a team representing Spain from Headington, who defeated reigning champions Albania 2-0 in the final.

It was the third time the tournament was held with the sponsorship of The Baron cocktail bar in Cowley Road.

The contest was organised in conjunction with Oxford’s Charity Football League as a joint fundraiser for Jacari, an organisation that provides tutors for children with English as a second language, and Cowley Road Works which runs Cowley Road Carnival.

Alex Whitton, of the Charity Football League, said: “The tournament was a fantastic opportunity to benefit two charities who work to help bring Oxford’s diverse community together.

“We are hoping to have raised around £1000 from the day.”

Created in 2012, the league raises money for Jacari throughout the year by running a competitive league in Oxford.

Brian Trotman, chairman of Cowley Road Works said: “It was a great day, good football, played competitively and in great spirit.

“The weather was very hot, but it didn’t deter the teams or their supporters and there was a great atmosphere, which was enhanced with a Brazilian barbecue provided by the Tucano restaurant in Cowley Road.”

He thanked "stalwart" referees Brian Kirk and Trevor Pitson, for working throughout the six hour competition in "exhausting" high temperatures.

Organisers revealed last week that despite an extra fundraising push at this summer's carnival, donations fell far short of the £20,000 target, with just £7,900 raised from the 50,000 revellers.

The event costs £130,000 each year to cover event management and staging, safety, security and clean-up.

Speaking before the event, The Baron's owner Bushi Xhetan said he believed more local businesses, who benefit from the carnival drawing thousands to the Oxford street, should help carnival organisers with much-needed fundraising and sponsorship.

He said: “Carnival is the biggest and the most colourful day of the year, not just for the Cowley Road, but for all Oxfordshire.

“It takes a lot of effort, organisation, funding and months of hard work. To make sure the event goes ahead every year, I call on all local businesses to do a bit more to support it and help ensure that this wonderful event is not taken away from the Cowley Road community.”