From the 20 original teams we were down to the final four with 3 nationalities represented – Hungary, Ireland and Spain. This time last year we had 4 Spanish teams at this stage so it proves a stronger international challenge in 2012.

The first Cup Semi-Final would be contested by Saipan FC of Ireland and Budapest Celtic Lions of Hungary. Both teams were already enjoying their most successful European outing and for one it would get even better. Saipan FC had competed in a eurofootballfives.com Semi-Final before but that was a Plate fixture and the Cup was a whole different kettle of fish. They won their Plate Semi-Final could they win their Cup Semi?

We reached half-time level at 0-0 and were still none the wiser on who are first finalist would be. Come full time we were still level at 1-1 this time thanks to goals from Tom Gruber and Agus Benedito Galmes. Golden Goal extra time it was and the game was on a knife edge – after two further halves of football there was still nothing to split the teams and we had our first penalty shoot-out of the day.

It would be Budapest Celtic Lions to shoot first and up stepped Tom Gruber. His goal in normal time was matched by a successful spot kick in the shoot-out. Julian Cornelius held his nerve to level at 1-1. Stefan Gruber was up next but failed to convert – it was advantage Saipan FC. Agus Benedito Galmes rammed home that advantage to make it 2-1 and emulated Tom Gruber by scoring in the game and the shoot-out. The pressure was now on David Lessmann for the Lions – he had to score but his effort went narrowly wide and it was all over – Saipan FC were in the Final.

It was time to bid farewell on the day to Budapest Celtic Lions who were so close and went out in the cruelest of fashions. They could put it right in the 2012 Budapest Fives in two weeks' time.

The second Semi-Final promised to be an intriguing clash between Budapest Celtic Pumas and the Black Sheep. The Pumas were the last hope for the Hungarians to make the final and follow in the footsteps of Hungary's FC Miracle who made the 2011 Barca Fives final. For the Black Sheep, they were Spain's last hope and needed to win to ensure the Barcelona Fives title stayed in Spain following Equipo A's win 12 months ago.

The Black Sheep also had a score to settle as they went out at this very stage 12 months ago to Rapid Bosco Navas on penalties. In that game, the result was 1-1 at full time and history was looking to repeat itself as this game finished 1-1 at full time too. Goals from Albert Marx Garcia and Luiz Naufel's 15th (yes, 15!) of the day had brought us to this stage.

Just like the other Semi-Final there was very little between the teams and extra time was required. Would the Black Sheep go out on penalties again? No, because it wouldn't get to that stage as Albert Marx Garcia bagged his 7th of the day to get a truly Golden goal and they would be in the Final.

The day was over for the Pumas, and as with Lions, there is a chance for tournament victory in Budapest in the not too distant future.