As
the first Plate Semi-Final kicked off, expectations
were high for a closely contested match between
Ruta Uno FC and Raiders Amsterdam. The group phase
had shown just a point difference between these
two teams, with Ruta Uno FC holding a +3 goal
difference compared to Raiders Amsterdam's -2.
Both teams had something to prove, with Ruta Uno
seeking their first knockout victory after their
previous defeat in the 2023 Mallorca Veterans
Plate Quarter-Finals and Raiders Amsterdam looking
to capitalize on their late surge to the semi-finals.
From
the outset, the match was a tense affair, with
both teams displaying solid defensive skills and
quick counterattacks. Raiders Amsterdam, however,
seized the early initiative. Denis Piovisischi,
who had been a key player throughout the tournament,
broke the deadlock, putting Raiders Amsterdam
ahead 1-0. His clinical finish sparked celebrations
among the Dutch supporters, giving Raiders the
crucial early lead.
Ruta
Uno FC, undeterred, regrouped and pressed forward.
Their persistence paid off when Morgan Roberts,
continuing his excellent form, found the back
of the net to level the score at 1-1. This goal
marked Roberts' third of the day, underlining
his significance to Ruta Uno's attacking fortunes.
The match was finely balanced, with both sides
vying for control and looking for the decisive
breakthrough.
However,
it was Raiders Amsterdam who regained the advantage.
Gabriel Bleonea struck to make it 2-1, his goal
a result of a well-coordinated attack that caught
Ruta Uno's defence off guard. With time running
out, Ruta Uno FC pushed forward in search of another
equalizer. Taking advantage of the stretched defence,
Denis Piovisischi netted his second goal of the
match, effectively sealing the game at 3-1.
As
the final whistle blew, Raiders Amsterdam celebrated
victory. Despite a valiant effort from Ruta Uno
FC. We said farewell today but look forward to
seeing them again next season.
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Raiders
Amsterdam had booked their space in the Plate
Final. The two teams set to do battle for the
second berth in the final were FNF on Tour and
Riises Pieces. FNF on Tour would be favourites
looking at the league tables as they'd secured
10 points and lost just once in the group phase.
They also progressed to the Plate Final here
12 months ago. However, Riises Pieces could
not be discounted as they only lost narrowly
1-0 to the defending champions. Riises Pieces
also have Plate Finals on their eurofootballfives.com
CV having been runners-up at the 2019 Mallorca
Fives (1-0 to GHSFC), 2022 Lisbon Tournament
(3-0 to Blue Collar Revolution) and 2023 Barcelona
Fives (lost 3-1 to Mitre FC A). Could it be
a third successive Plate Final for them and
fourth time lucky in collecting that winners
trophy?
In
regulation time it was honours even as Quincy
Davis's opening goal for FNF on Tour was cancelled
out by Chris Maydom's fourth goal of the tournament
for Riises Pieces. The referee's whistle brought
down the curtain on this fixture and with the
game locked at 1-1 we would need penalties to
decide this game.
Rather
unusually for an English team, Riises Pieces
had a pretty good record in penalty shoot-outs
at our events. Mallorca 2019 Plate Semi-Finals,
beat Gosham Rangers 3-2. 2022 Lisbon Tournament
Cup QF beat RAF1 3-2 and Plate SF (they had
two teams) defeated OS Sadinos, 5-4. For FNF
on Tour, this would be a first shoot-out in
eurofootballfives.com action and it was to be
a successful one. For all Riises Pieces history,
their undefeated penalty record came to an end.
FNF on Tour advanced 3-2 on pens.
Congratulations
to FNF on Tour for holding their nerve and advancing
to the Plate Final. Commiserations to Riises
Pieces, who put up a valiant effort but fell
just short in the penalties. It was great to
see them at the post-tournament social. FNF
on Tour had a final to prepare for.
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