We began Round 5 with the group perfectly set-up for the final Cup qualification place and the two Plate qualification places. What was already decided was that Humble Goats would be Group A champions as they currently held an unassailable 5 point lead at the top. They would want to keep their momentum going with another win and also secure a 100% record in the group phase having already done so at the 2023 Amsterdam Sevens.

Boca Seniors had to win and hope that other results went in their favour to climb into the Plate qualification places. A draw might be enough if FC Dad lost their final game. The biggest problem for Boca Seniors was the strength of their opposition. It was perhaps no surprise that it was Humble Goats who took the lead and they had Deyae El Kanfoundi to thank for the goal.

The Dutch were not ahead for long as Edoardo Vignola equalised for the Luxembourgers. At 1-1 it was game on as the teams changed ends for the second half. Boca Seniors had a strong defensive record today and if they could keep that going and pinch a winner at the other end they would have a famous victory. Sadly for them, Humble Goats upped the levels in the second period and surged to victory.

Rafael Hernandez ensured he would end the group phase with a goal in every game as he made it 2-0. Wissam Albarho added to his tally before El Kanfoundi and Hernandez each bagged their second of the game. Final score, 5-1 and Humble Goats remained one of the favourites for the title.

It was sadly farewell to Boca Seniors for the day but it was great to host them at the tournament and we hear there are plans for a return. We shall see them again soon.

Last but not least, we had FLA versus FC Kicks. This was a straight shoot-out for second place in Group A and the chance to set-up a Cup Semi-Final against Summerhouse. It was a winner takes all game with a draw being enough for FLA as they currently held a one point advantage over their opponents.

Opportunities were hard to come by in the first half as both defenses held firm, frustrating the attacking players on both sides. The half-time score remained locked at 0-0, leaving everything to play for in the second half.

Once we kicked off in the second half it was FLA who took the lead through Jac Evans – it was his fourth goal of the day and marked a fine personal return for him in the goalscoring stakes. When Luke Masih made it 2-0 you could be forgiven for thinking FLA had booked their place in the Cup.

However, FC Kicks had other ideas with Joris reducing the deficit to 2-1 and then Joost Ropen equalizing for 2-2. Another goal for FC Kicks would see them through at the expense of FLA but fortunately for the English team they had enough in the tank to see the game out. Final score 2-2 as FLA clinched that Cup spot and were now just two games from the title.

Commiserations to FC Kicks who came so close but they were still in the Plate competition and had the chance for success themselves.