The 2009 Algarve Open saw the first ever Wooden Spoon competition in eurofootballfives.com history after 13 tournaments. The Wooden Spoon competition was for the 5 th placed teams in each group giving them a shot at glory. In a 20 team tournament it could be argued this was the battle for 17th place which in Premier League teams would mean the battle to avoid relegation.

Anyway, enough of the hypothesizing and into the action. The first Wooden Spoon semi-final would see The Ruud Boys take on Bristol Phippy FC. Bristol Phippy FC had scored one goal to date and in the first half of this semi-final they doubled this tally thanks to Adam Miller. Bristol Phippy FC held on to this lead into half-time.

It was all to do for The Ruud Boys now who had just had one goal themselves to date in the competition. The form book was also against them as no-one in this tournament had yet to overturn a half-time deficit into a full-time victory. The Ruud Boys threw the form book out of the window and thanks to two second half goals turned the tide to claim a 2-1 victory. A great victory from behind and they were in the final.

Moss Deb FC of Portugal would take on CSF Benfica in the other semi-final. In an entertaining fixture the Portuguese took the early initiative and by the break had edged themselves in front thanks to goals from Felino Foustino and Reuben Penina whilst a goal from Tom Crowley had kept CSF Benfica in it.

In the second half, CSF Benfica pushed for the equaliser and they got it in style thanks to a long range wonder strike from Andrew ‘El Grantos' Grant. The goal sent the CSF and all the watching spectators wild. It was a goal that was to earn CSF Benfica extra time.

Extra time would be Golden Goal so with nerves on edge it was the referee that stepped into spotlight. The referee handed a penalty to Moss Deb FC when CSF Benfica's Jas Gill was ajudged to have handled in the area. To rub salt in the wounds Gill saw red so even if the penalty was missed the CSF Benfica team would have to carry on a man down. The red card was harsh and Gill maintains it was ball to hand rather than hand to ball. The referee's decision is final though and up stepped Eddy Catanino to slot home the penalty and send the Portuguese into the final.

It was a harsh way to be knocked out but CSF Benfica would have to take it on the chin and cheer on their sister squad in the Plate Final as their involvement on the pitch was now over.