The first Plate Semi-Final was between Budapest Celtic Tigers and 3 Lions FC. Budapest Celtic Tigers came into the Plate as the highest ranked of the competing teams and with that you could arguably say they were favourites. However, due to a bye they'd had a little gap between games which could well have upset their rhythm. They met a 3 Lions team that were buoyant and resurgent having just won two of their last 3 games with a narrow 2-1 defeat in between.

The two teams had met in Group B earlier in the day and on that occasion the Budapest Celtic Tigers had won 2-0. A repeat of that and the Tigers would reach their third final in Budapest (previous two in the Cup) and their second Plate Final (after the 2014 Valencia Fives). For 3 Lions they were looking to make their second Plate Final after doing so at the 2008 Barca Fives.

The previous time these two met they played out a goal-less first half but there were to be early goals in this one as Laci and Joci Gaspar put the home team in charge. It was going to be tough for the 3 Lions to get back into it and that task got even more difficult when Ronnie Vass made it 3-0 to the Tigers. Joci Gaspar made it 4-0 for good measure and there was no way back for the 3 Lions. They exited at the Plate Semi-Final for the second time in eurofootballfives.com competition (to FC Dukesfield at the 2011 Mallorca Tournament).

The Budapest Celtic Tigers were through to the Plate Final. 3 Lions FC would now have a watching brief for the rest of the tournament – the bar awaited them for a well-earned beer.

So, who would meet Budapest Celtic Tigers in the Plate Final? It would be either Fleet Street Elite FC or Naranjitos as England took on Spain.

Like the Tigers, Narnajitos had enjoyed a little gap between games which could well have upset their rhythm and left them cold. Fleet Street Elite FC came into the game on the back of a Quarter-Final victory so would be warmed up – although, maybe not as fresh as their opponents.

The two teams were playing in their second eurofootballfives.com Plate Semi-Finals with mixed results in their first appearances. Fleet Street Elite FC, as Lads of Lisboa, crashed out to FC Dynamoes 6-0 at the 2013 Lisbon Tournament. Naranjitos would have fond memories of the recent 2014 Barcelona Fives where they accounted for English opposition in the shape of Missing Magpies, 3-1.

There was very little to choose between the two teams on the field. The first half closed with a solitary goal dividing the two teams. The goal was scored by Torres – no, not Fernando but Javier Hernandez Torres as he gave Naranjitos a 1-0 lead.

In the second half the battle continued to be closely fought but neither team could find the goal they craved. Fleet Street Elite desperately tried for the goal to put them on level terms and, having had success with penalties in the last round, would probably have settled for that. Naranjitos were looking for a killer second goal but were sensible enough to keep the back door closed. The sands of time ran out on the two teams and the match finished 1-0. A valiant effort for Fleet Street Elite FC but it wasn't quite to be on this occasion. Hopefully, one step further next time.

For the second time in as many tournaments, Naranjitos had a final to prepare for……