The side, which was supported by the Football Association, also featured former England and Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry, as well as ex-Aston Villa player Karl Hendrie.
“We’re all different characters and as an overall 20-man squad everyone blended together really well,” Cureton said.
Duguid, who featured for the U’s between 1995 and 2008, and also netted in the final, added: “The experience was unbelievable.
“It’s just a little snippet of what it’s like if you’re playing in the World Cup for real.”
The tournament was held in Ubon Ratchathani, a city on the Mun River in eastern Thailand.
There were eight nations competing.
Sides could not feature any players aged under-40, while the rules also dictated at least three players aged 50 or older had to be on the pitch at any time.
Halford, a U’s player between 2002 and 2007, said: “It definitely helps having those [Colchester] connections and knowing how each other plays.
“It became a really close-knit group in such a short time so it was great. It was really great.”
Do you have a story suggestion for Essex? Contact us below.
