Atlantic Star (Eng) and DHL Prague Blue (Cze) kicked off Group A in the 2009 Krakow Trophy. Atlantic Star's previous game in eurofootballfives.com competition had come in the 2008 Prague Trophy Plate semi-final where they were knocked out by DHL Prague's sister team, DHL Prague Red. So, in only the first game of the tournament, we already had a grudge match.

The English team started the better of the two sides and found themselves take the lead through debutant Mark Brereton. A lead they would keep until half-time in a close match. Atlantic Star captain Clarke Woollam had promised a stronger squad in Krakow and his words were proving correct as Clarke himself added the killer second goal in the 2 nd half to complete a 2-0 victory.

The Love Generation versus Brighton & Hove Rockets was also an early kick-off. The Love Generation were a man down due to a ‘drinking incident' the night before and we wondered whether this would put them out of their stride. Brighton & Hove Rockets took full advantage and found themselves 2-1 up at half-time thanks to two goals from captain Matt Pell whilst the Love Generation's goal also came from the captain, Tom Brittain. The first goal of the second half was always going to be crucial and when Giles Collyer stepped up to slot home for Brighton & Hove Rockets the three points were all but secure. The game finished 3-1 and the lads from Brighton were up and running.

The final game of the opening round of Group A was an all-Polish encounter between Azmot and Complex. Azmot were making their debut in the tournament and faced a tough game against 2008 Runners-Up Complex. Azmot started well and kept their opponents at bay reaching half-time at 0-0. The second half proved just as close and although we saw goals (Mateusz Dudek for Azmot, Stanislaw Derszniak for Complex) the teams could not be separated and both opened their account with a point for a closely fought draw.