So, onto Group C and we kicked off with a team on debut (Football Rangers Hungary) against the most experienced team in the tournament draw (Skidmarks). Skidmarks were making a 13th appearance in our tournaments and over that time had claimed 3x titles at the 2011 Valencia Fives, 2012 Krakow Trophy and 2019 Budapest Fives. Last time out at the 2023 Krakow Trophy they began well with a 4-0 win over Finland's TaHu and a 4-1 win over Moles Salah. It was 3 wins from 3 after a 1-0 victory over Alea Iacta Est. A 1-1 draw against Colonel Getafe and a 2-2 draw against Krwiodawcow meant they finished Group A unbeaten in 2nd place in the table. In the Cup Semi-Finals they drew Turn Down For Watford and were beaten 4-0.

From the outset, Football Rangers Hungary showcased their determination, taking control of the game early on. Tamas Rozsa found the back of the net first, delivering a well-placed shot that left the Skidmarks goalkeeper with no chance. The momentum continued as Norbert Hudak added to their tall to extend their lead to 2-0 by halftime. The second half saw Football Rangers Hungary maintain their dominance, with Rajmund Toth scoring the third goal. His strike further solidified their commanding position. Despite a few attempts from Skidmarks to claw back into the game, Football Rangers Hungary's defence held firm. The match concluded with a convincing 3-0 victory for the newcomers, marking a promising start to their campaign and highlighting their potential in the tournament.

Colonel Getafe came into this tournament having won the 2023 Krakow Trophy just over a year ago. They started off with 3 wins on the bounce (2-0 v Alea Iacta Est, 3-0 v TaHu and 10-1 v Krwiodawcow) before a 1-1 draw with Skidmarks. They returned to winning ways (3-1) over Moles Salah to win Group B. In the Cup Semi-Finals they saw off the challenge of RAF (2-1) to set-up a Cup Final against Turn Down For Watford. The match finished 2-2 in normal time but they triumphed 2-1 on penalties to lift the title.

In the second match of Group C, Colonel Getafe began their Porto campaign against debutants Maths FC. Colonel Getafe demonstrated their experience and composure from the opening whistle. They were quickly in the ascendency with Oliver Grossman finding the back of the net first. His precise finish gave Colonel Getafe an early lead, setting the tone for the match.

Shortly after, Henry Hanifan doubled the advantage, capitalising on a well-worked move to score the second goal for his team. With a 2-0 lead at halftime, Colonel Getafe showcased their tactical prowess and game management, effectively stifling Maths FC's attempts to mount a comeback. The second half saw Colonel Getafe maintain their lead and securing a solid victory. The match ended 2-0, affirming Colonel Getafe's status as a formidable contender and leaving Maths FC with valuable experience from their inaugural match.

Bear Ballerz (Fra) debuted at the 2022 Amsterdam Sixes as London French Football Club. They made a great start defeating the reigning Amsterdam Fives champions FC Kicks, 2-0. A 1-1 draw against the reigning Amsterdam Sevens champions meant a great haul of 4 points from 6 against proven tournament winners. They followed this up with a 2-1 win over Whiteley FC and a 2-2 draw against Dolce and Lallana. They needed a point from their last game to qualify but lost 3-0 at the most inopportune time to taste defeat for the first time. They qualified for the Plate competition where they went out in the Semi-Finals, 1-0, to Freshers FC. They would play their first game in Porto against Football Rangers Hungary.

In a thrilling encounter, Bear Ballerz faced Football Rangers Hungary in what turned out to be an unforgettable match. Bear Ballerz, playing their first game, started strong with Jack Keen opening the scoring early, putting them 1-0 ahead. However, Football Rangers Hungary quickly responded, with Rajmund Toth equalizing to bring the score to 1-1, showcasing the tenacity that had propelled them to victory in their previous match.

The back-and-forth continued as Bear Ballerz regained control, with Thomas Ricaux scoring two quick goals, giving his team a 3-1 lead and sending a wave of jubilation through the crowd. Yet, the resilient Rangers weren't finished; Toth struck again, narrowing the deficit to 3-2 just before halftime, keeping the game alive and setting the stage for a thrilling second half.

As the second half unfolded, the intensity heightened. Karoly Csak emerged as a key leveling the score at 3-3 for the Hungarians, but the drama didn't end there. Rajmund Toth, determined to make an impact, completed his hat trick to clinch a 4-3 victory for Football Rangers Hungary. This match was a testament to the competitive spirit and resilience of both teams, with Football Rangers Hungary continuing their impressive run in the tournament.

In a highly anticipated clash, Skidmarks faced Colonel Getafe in Game 4 of Group C. Skidmarks were looking to bounce back from their previous defeat against Football Rangers Hungary and they took control of the match early on. Luke Hatfield was the standout performer, netting a goal in each half to give Skidmarks a solid 2-0 lead. This match was a repeat of a group stage clash from the 2023 Krakow Trophy where Jamie Dewinter put Skidmarks 1-0 up before Oliver Grossman levelled the score at 1-1. If Colonel Getafe were to recover this game they would need to do it from two goals down and time running out.

As the match progressed, Colonel Getafe attempted to mount a comeback. Their persistence paid off when Andrew Simpson scored, pulling one back and reducing Skidmarks' lead to 2-1. Despite the pressure and a few late attempts to equalise, Skidmarks held firm defensively to secure the three points. It was a stunning victory because in 11 previous group phase games, Colonel Getafe had never lost. In fact, this was only Colonel Getafe's 2nd defeat in 15 games in eurofootballfives.com competition.

In a crucial match for both teams, Maths FC faced Bear Ballerz, each seeking to recover from their opening game defeats. The tension was palpable as both squads took to the pitch, determined to secure their first points of the tournament. Bear Ballerz emerged as the stronger side, with Thomas Ricaux proving to be the standout performer of the match.

Ricaux opened the scoring with a well-timed strike in the first half, putting Bear Ballerz ahead 1-0 at halftime. His performance inspired confidence in his teammates and set the tone for the remainder of the game. As the second half unfolded, Ricaux continued to impress, adding a second goal to his tally and extending Bear Ballerz's lead to 2-0.

Despite a spirited effort from Maths FC to fight back, they struggled to find the net. The match ended with Bear Ballerz securing a solid 2-0 victory, earning them three vital points and propelling them into the congested mid-table. This win not only provided a much-needed boost in morale for Bear Ballerz but also kept the competition tight. Maths FC were not out of the equation but they needed to put a couple of wins together in he second half of Group C.