So,
who would take their place in the Cup Final
from the second Semi-Final? The two teams set
to do battle were Hobbema's and Luca Toni FC.
This game on paper looked like a close call.
Hobbema's claimed the Group B title with 12
points (4 wins, 1 draw) with 18 goals scored
and 11 conceded. Luca Toni FC were unbeaten
with 11 points (3 wins, 2 draws) with 17 goals
scored and 10 conceded.
Hobbema's
were on debut so, like Jamaica Bell, in the
first Semi-Final they were breaking new ground.
Luca Toni FC had plenty of history at this level
but also plenty of emotional baggage. They had
reached this stage on 4 previous occasions and
gone out on all 4 occasions. They were bidding
to reach their first Cup Final in our tournaments.
The
first half remained pretty tight as both teams
displayed solid defensive performances, denying
their opponents space and chances but we did
get a goal. It was perhaps no surprise that
it came from Carlos Gazapo who took his tally
to 8 for the day. As the half-time whistle blew,
the stage was set for an intense second half.
Hobbema's came out firing in the second half.
Their efforts paid off as Philippe de Bruyn
found the back of the net and giving his team
a crucial equalizer, 1-1. It was de Bruyn's
first goal of the tournament and he scored just
when his team needed it.
How
would Luca Toni FC deal with the setback? Pretty
well is the answer. They quickly responded to
being pegged back with two goals of their own
from the talented Carlos Gazapo. Gazapo's impressive
performance not only brought him a hat-trick,
gave his team a two goal lead at 3-1 but also
took his personal tournament tally to 10 goals.
Those goals had broken the back of the game.
Matthijs Tabbers put the game beyond doubt at
4-1. Luca Toni FC had smashed their Cup Semi-Final
hoodoo in style.
It
was a tough exit for Hobbema's who exited the
tournament but it was a great debut and nice
to meet all the team. We hope to see them again
next year.
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