The knockout phase of the 2024 Porto Sixes tournament saw teams split into two competitions: the Cup for the top eight teams and the Plate for the remaining seven. In the Plate competition, Bear Ballerz advanced automatically from the first quarter-final due to receiving a bye. This was their reward for finishing third place in their group. The teams finishing fourth and fifth in each group would now meet to see who would join Bear Ballerz in the Semi-Finals.

The first quarter-final match played on the field featured Mates/Lads FC against Athletico Patrick Bateman as fifth in Group A met fourth in Group B. Mates/Lads FC took the lead in the first half when Nick Gumm found the back of the net, giving them a 1-0 advantage at half-time. However, the second half saw a strong response from Athletico Patrick Bateman. The Irish team had been the stronger of the two sides in the group phase and they were level with Robert Carson equalizing with his third goal of the tournament. It was Robert Carson scoring again to completely turn the game around. His two goals secured a 2-1 victory for Athletico Patrick Bateman, ending Mates/Lads FC's run in the Plate competition. We'd like to thank Mates/Lads FC for competing and, whilst results on the pitch didn't go their way, we hope they still had a fantastic time in Porto.

Plate Quarter-Final 3 was Stroke Titti FC versus Skidmarks. The former were on debut and so breaking new ground at every step. They had a particularly tough task to reach the next round against a Skidmarks team that had won 3 titles with us previously. Not only that, of their previous 12 tournament appearances they had qualified for the Cup competition on 10 of those occasions. Skidmarks would be one of the strongest teams in this Plate field.

Skidmarks would no doubt start this match as favourites and they would live up to that billing after the opening exchanges as they forged ahead. Rupert Harvey, on his debut for Skidmarks in Europe today, was on the scoresheet to give his side a 1-0 lead. Stroke Titti FC had struggled today with 4 defeats in 4 games but they were level thanks to a Chris Merker strike. However, they were unable to stay level for long as they conceded a penalty. Skidmarks had proven very adept at penalties over the years winning 6 of 8 shoot-outs and were on target here with Neil Taylor slotting home.

The second half kicked off with Skidmarks 2-1 to the good. Stroke Titti FC kept on battling but were unable to find a second equalizer. The Skidmarks defence remained strong and with that they booked their place in the Semi-Finals. For Stroke Titti FC their tournament on the field was over. It was great to see the guys on tour and we look forward to seeing them next year.

The remaining Plate Quarter-Final was Maths FC v Stats FC. This was a contest between two teams from the same travelling group. I t is not often teams from the same club meet in eurofootballfives.com competition but, when they do, these derby matches often have a strange atmosphere – sometimes the games can lack a little intensity or sometimes the games can have a bit too much intensity with players determined not to lose to their tour-mates. However, bragging rights were at stake for the rest of the Porto tour and beyond. 

In the group phase, Stats FC had enjoyed the more successful morning in terms of points, goals scored, goals conceded and position in the standings. Despite this it was Maths FC who hit the front. John Cragg had scored a brace in the 2-1 win over Skidmarks earlier today and he was on target for the third time here. His goal gave his team a 1-0 lead at half-time. In the second half Stats FC hit back. Richard Cobbing was their top scorer and he was to add to his tally with goal number 4 for the day. The two teams were level at 1-1 as the full-time whistle blew and a penalty shoot-out would be required to settle this fixture.

It was Stats FC who would have the honour of striking first. Richard Cobbing was on target in the game and was now also on target from the spot. Mark Holmes was first up for Maths FC but he missed to put his team on the back foot. Adam Filip was next up for Stats FC and he duly converted. At 2-0, Stats FC were in control. John Cragg had the chance to keep the contest going when he stepped up to the penalty spot. However, he was also to miss as Stats FC could celebrate victory. They won the shoot-out 2-0 and would advance to the next round.

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