Last but not least, we come to Group C where the group began with RAF (Por) versus Sutton on Tour (Eng). These two teams were not strangers having met twice before at the 2023 Lisbon Tournament.

Approximately 11 months ago in the Portuguese capital, it was the local side RAF that emerged on top in both meetings. RAF1 defeated Sutton on Tour 4-0 whilst RAF3 went one better at 5-0. The Portuguese touring squad for Mallorca was an amalgamation of those squads so, in theory, they'd concentrated their strength into one team.

If you were a betting man you'd have put your money on RAF based on those historical results. However, you would have lost. Whilst Sutton on Tour were still unable to penetrate the RAF defence they were much more competitive and stronger at the back themselves. So much so, it was a clean sheet for Anton Povstyan in the Sutton goal. It was far from a rearguard action though as Sutton on Tour enjoyed a decent share of the possession and were on the front foot for good spells in the game.

The final score was 0-0 and represented an excellent start for the English team. RAF would dearly have loved 3 points but they had to settle for one.

The last two teams to get underway were Eltham International (Eng) and Team Rock (Spa). Both teams were mak ng their debut in our events so had a blank canvas upon which to paint their footballing artistry.

In a twist of fate reminiscent of one of football's most memorable stories, Team Rock secured the last spot in the 2024 Mallorca Fives (as a replacement for a travelling team), echoing the dramatic entry of Denmark into Euro 1992. Much like the Danish national team, who were drafted into the European Championship at the eleventh hour following Yugoslavia's disqualification, Team Rock's late inclusion has set the stage for a thrilling narrative.

In 1992, Denmark was thrust into the spotlight with little preparation but went on to defy all expectations by clinching the title against some of Europe's footballing giants. As the Mallorca Fives kicks off, all eyes will be on Team Rock to see if they can channel the spirit of Denmark's 1992 triumph and carve their own path to glory.

The footballing giant in their path for Round 1 was Eltham International but Team Rock passed the test with flying colours. It started from a solid base with goalkeeper Jorge Tesada keeping a clean sheet. At the other end of the field there were goals from Victor Mato and Chiqui. A 2-0 victory and Team Rock were one eighth of the way to the title.

Open Age

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