BOYS SEMI - FINALS

Wed May 18th: BRAZIL versus GERMANY

Fri May 20th: NETHERLANDS versus ARGENTINA

Netherlands 3-1 Belgium

 This Benelux derby was one of the best games of the year: exciting attacking movements, decisive defending and outstanding goalkeepers. Lorenzo was in fine form today and it was he who forced the first good save of the day, from Adriano. At the other end, Alberto tested Giovanni and then, as the play switched to and fro, Lorenzo shot just wide. Vittorio forced Adriano into another good save and thenBelgium took the lead when Carlo's shot was saved by Giovanni but turned in by Alberto on the rebound. It didn't take long for Netherlands to equalise: Ruben  pounced on some indecisive defending and rolled the ball past Adriano. 

In period 2, Vittorio forced his way past three opponents and fired a shot past Adriano to make it 2-1. Belgium then brought three saves out of Giovanni with shots in quick succession from Alby, Giorgio and then Alberto again. No goal though, and Lorenzo took advantage of the new spaces opening up to score again: 3-1. No more goals in period 3, with Gabriel making two fantastic saves from Antonio and Vittorio.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Lorenzo 6, Vittorio 6, Giovanni 5, Gabriele 4, Adriano 2,Antonio 1, Leo 1,  Carlo 1, Rocco 1, Alberto 1

Spain 4-1 Italy

 Returning to international duty after representing their school at in Verona, Italy disappointed their fans who expected more from the Med Cup finalists. Emilio crossed a ball for the first goal, Daniele P rising majestically to score with his head. Shots from Atena (over) and Emma (wide) gave the Italians some hope but Dani killed that off with a second goal. Matteo scored the best goal of the game, a cracker from 25 meters into the top corner and Captain Seb made it 4-0 off a Dani assist. Italy pulled one goal back to make the final score 4-1.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Matteo 5, Cameron 4, Abby 4, Emilio 3, Daniele 3, Sara 2, Bianca P 2, Seb 2, Trym 1, Hugo 1, Isabel 1

Brazil 0-0 Argentina

 An intense but ultimately sterile match with much effort, few chances but no goals. Pedro was closest, with shots pinging off the crossbar, whizzing wide and saved by the keeper.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Nicholas 5, Victor 4, Michael 2, Jonah 2, Pedro 2, Tiago 2, Louis 2, Ryan 2, Vincent 2, Zach 2, Marco 1, Bernardo 1, Adam 1

Netherlands 5-1 Germany

 The grey skies were offset by the lively music at Ambrit Stadium today as Germany suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of the Dutch Masters.

The Netherlands began well; in the first minutes, Mattia was forced into a dangerous header that was nearly an own-goal; Anto shot over; then a nice passing move from Lorenzo to Francesco to Vittorio saw Holland go 1-0 up. Two minutes later, Francesco supplied another assist and Lorenzo put them 2-0 up. Lorenzo then went on a good run down the left but shot over. Germany's only decent attempt came when Remy passed to Daniele but Giovanni made a great save from the shot.

Lorenzo scored a third immediately after half time. Ale came on and pulled one goal back when Daniele passed to Mattia and his cross found Ale in the middle. But the Netherlands closed out the game with a well-taken goal from Francesco and the last of Lorenzo's hat-trick goals.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Francesco 6, Lorenzo 5, Remy 4, Vittorio 2, Aron 2, Giovanni 2, Adrian 1, Ruben 1, Antonio 1, Ben 1, Daniele B 1, Ale 1, Mattia 1

Germany 1 - 2 Brazil

In a tense game at Ambrit Stadium today, Santiago tipped the balance with a beautifully-struck shot from the right wing that flew past the goalkeeper.

It was Germany who had taken the lead though when Daniele skipped past two defenders to score. Mattia was always dangerous too; fast and brave but his shooting let him down. Ale was in and out of the game but always dangerous when in possession: his first shot struck the post and he made a good dribbling run down the centre but was caught by Santiago just as he was winding up for a shot. Then, in the dying moments of the first period, Brazil equalised when Marco's shot was saved by Adrian but the rebound fell to Louis.

Period 2 was quiet. Shots from Marco at one end and Ale at the other and one outstanding save by Adrian.

In period 3, Mattia was at it again: making chances but not finishing. Brazil claimed to have taken the lead when Santiago's throw was touched by Theo on its way into the goal, but the VAR replays showed that the ball had already crossed the line. But there was no arguing about Santiago's winning goal.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Ale 4, Daniele B 4, Santiago 4, Theo 3, Louis 2, Adrian 2, Marco 2, Daniel 2, Mattia 2, Adam 1, Jonah 1, Harshjot 1

YELLOW: Louis & Marco

Belgium 1-0 Spain

 After his recent heroics, the absence of Seb from Spain's line-up was a demoralising blow and, with Daniele P out of action too, Maya was drafted in to bolster the defence. Belgium too were short-handed and ace goalkeeper Myla helped out. Early on Gianmarco made a good run on the right, played a great ball across the area but Emilio shot wide. The vocal crowd was roaring for a penalty a while later but the referee waved away all appeals. As Belgium increased the frequency of their attacks, Matteo was a rock in defence, using head, foot, chest to clear everything: he managed some good runs and some good passes too. 

In the second half, shots from Adriano and Emilio were wide. Belgium put some good moves together; one move involved Alberto to Bertie to Alberto to Carl but the final shot was high. A goal eventually came. Giorgio fired a rocket, Adriano headed it bravely and the ball fell to Bertie who buried the shot.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Matteo 5, Trym 2, Maya 2, Leo 2 Alberto 2, Adriano 2, Ralf 2,  Carlo 2, Cameron 1, Oliver 1, Bertie 1, Emilio 1, Gianmarco 1,  Hugo 1, Giorgio 1,  Tommaso 1 Myla 1

Brazil 0-0 Netherlands

 With their expensive acquisition from the January transfer window restricted to the sidelines because of a recent red card, Brazil were clearly set up in defensive mode today and will be delighted with a valuable point. The Dutch players looked a little rusty at the start; twice Lorenzo was caught on the back foot when passes from Vittorio and Ben looked to set him up for a shot. He did get two shots away in the first period but neither troubled Daniel unduly.

The best chance of the second period fell to Vittorio early on at the far post, but his shot was timid and saved by Louis. Now Marco's running and effort for the Brazilian midfield began to pay off. He kept the Dutch defence occupied and shot over the bar once, and then wide.

Antonio added some spark to the Dutch team in period 3 and, together with Vittorio created some good chances, but no goals. One good chance fell to Vittorio but Alex made a great block.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Louis 4, Marco 3, Michael 3, Vittorio 3, Nicholas 2, Bernardo 2, Giovanni 2, Jonah, Lorenzo, Antonio 2, Daniel 2, Ben, Alex, Sam

Argentina 2-2 Spain

 A packed Ambrit Stadium was treated to the best match of the tournament so far as Spain came from behind to grab a well deserved point from a stunned Argentina.

The first action of the game said a lot about what would follow: Pedro, who played very well today, found space for a shot but Seb made a fine save... the first of many saves from Seb, who left the arena to thunderous applause after an paralleled display of goalkeeping prowess. However, he was beaten shortly afterwards when Dylan threaded a precise pass to Pedro who found the right angle this time. Shortly afterwards, it was those two again... another Pedro shot, another fantastic save from Seb. And then Argentina went 2-0 up. Pedro was involved again, this time slipping an assist to Adam who shot immediately and gave Seb no chance.

In the second period, nothing much changed. Argentina continued to dominate but Seb kept Spain in the game. Two more show-stopping interventions - one from Adam at the start of period 2, another from Zach at the end.

Spain were still trailing 0-2 as period 3 began, but the turning point was supplied by Cameron. He took possession in midfield and, surrounded by three defenders, managed to find Gianmarco on the right with a perfect pass. Gianmarco controlled, shot, scored! Game on!! Gianmarco then had another chance soon after as Argentina struggled to recover their momentum, but Lucas saved well. Now Spain were in control and Daniele P was making a difference in midfield. And what a difference! Receiving the ball just in from the half-way line, he spotted Lucas out of position and launched a well-judged lob over his head and into the back of the net. 2-2!

Argentina woke up again and attacked desperately for the last minutes, but Seb made another pair of saves and Spain celebrated a fine comeback as Argentina wondered where it had all gone wrong.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Seb 8, Pedro 4, Dylan 3, Hugo 3, Emilio 2, Cameron 2, Daniele P 2, Gianmarco 1, Adam 1, Zach 1, Ralf 1

Germany 6-1 Italy

 Una sconfitta dura, di quelle che abbatte il morale, per l'Italia, ancora a secco di punti, per merito di un'ottima Germania, molto tecnica, veloce e ben organizzata. 

Eppure qualcosa si può dire sulle ragazze che, a parte l'eccezionale prova di Myla tra i pali e di Maya in difesa, hanno dato la sensazione di non saper essere aggressive, di perdere facilmente la posizione e di non averci provato davvero fino in fondo. Coraggio! Se non ci credete voi??!!!

Tra i Tedeschi ottime le prestazioni di tanti, da Theo in difesa a Daniele in attacco, da Alessandro a Mattia in centrocampo: difficile opporsi alla squadra favorita per la vittoria finale, al gioco veloce con palla a terra. Bravi! Queste partite dovrebbero insegnarvi che per giocare bene a calcio - sport DI SQUADRA - serve passare spesso e non tenere troppo il pallone.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Myla 4, Maya 3, Mattia 3, Theo 3, Daniele B 3, Ale 3, Alice 1.

Argentina 2-0 Belgium

Zach's throw-in was the key to Argentina's victory today. In the first period, he found Dylan who guided the ball in with a cheeky back-heel to make it 1-0 and then he found Pedro's head to make it 2-0. For Belgium, Giorgio fired in some good shots but Lucas was equal to everything, even if some sections of the crowd insisted that the ball had crossed the line on one occasion as Lucas swept it out. Leo's wild clearance awarded a penalty to Argentina but Ben pulled the kick wide.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Zach 4, Giorgio 3, Dylan 3, Rocco 2, Cosimo 2, Leo 2, Pedro 2, Lucas 2, Ben 1, Tiago 1, Diego 1, Vincent 1, Gabriele 1, Carlo 1, Bertie 1, Adam 1

Argentina 2 - 0 Italy

 Ancora una prestazione generosa per le azzurre, ancora una sconfitta.

Le ragazze hanno avuto un ottimo atteggiamento in campo, almeno fino al secondo gol, ma hanno faticato a trovare la posizione in campo e non sono riuscite a sfruttare le opportunità (poche) concesse dai sudamericani. L’Argentina da parte sua ha offerto una prestazione solida, con le idee chiare e con qualche vezzo di troppo. Sono bastati due tiri da fuori, uno di Adam e l'altro di Zach, per sistemare il punteggio finale e assicurarsi i tre punti.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS:

Camila 5, Sara 5, Maya 4, Dylan 3, Zac 3, Adam 2, Pedro 1, Bianca 1, Carolina 1, Myla 1.

Spain 1-2 Germany

 Spain were reeling in the first period as Ale and Daniele combined over and again to open them up. The decisive move came when Ale released Daniele on the left and, after using his blistering pace to beat three players, he crossed to the centre as Ale arrived to finish off the move.

In the second period, Spain found a solution and maintained a good shape, with Ralf and Trym prominent in defence. Seb was still given lots to do in goal - and did it very well - while Cameron and Emilio put some good moves together. But the Germans went two goals ahead, this time Daniele putting the finishing touch.

In the final period, Cameron put Emilio in and the ex-Arsenal ace managed to sort out his feet and put it past Theo. Game on! Spain threw everything into attack, defended desperately (yellow card for Trym, more great saves from Seb) but the Germans hung on for a win.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Daniele B 9, Seb 5, Ale 4, Kevin 3, Adam O 3, Cameron 2, Ralf 1, Emilio 1

Belgium 0-1 Brazil

 Not one of the best games today; very little goalmouth action and just the one goal. Daniel's shot that rebounded off the crossbar was the highlight of the first period and nothing much of any note happened in the second period, apart from a valuable clearance by Josh when the goal was empty behind him. In the final period, Rocco was unlucky to see a well struck shot rebound off the bar, Daniel and Bertie picked up yellow cards and Santiago's long free kick got past a bemused Gabriele who was distracted by his own defender. Santiago was sent off and will miss the next match.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Alberto 5, Rocco 4, Carlo 3, Leo 3, Bertie 2, Adriano 2, Tommaso 1, Daniel 1, Gabriele 1, Josh 1, Santiago 1, Michael 1, Bernardo 1, Marco 1, Louis 1, Alex 1

 Yellow: Bertie; Daniel  Red: Santiago

Netherlands 1-0 Italy

 Ancora una sconfitta per l'Italia 🇮🇪, nonostante la buona prova generale contro la temibile Olanda 🇳🇱. I "tulipani" riescono a passare solo nel terzo tempo, con una rete di Vittorio su calcio d'angolo di Antonio: vincente la spizzata di petto, che Myla riesce a intercettare ma non a trattenere.

La partita è stata per larghi tratti dominata dalle ragazze, che hanno mancato il colpo decisivo, anche per la bravura di Giovanni, bravo a opporsi prima a un tiro ravvicinato di Carolina, poi a diversi tentativi di Sara, Camila ed Emma. 

Da segnalare l'ottima prova tra i pali di Aali, imbattuta per due tempi, di Giulio, che con il fisico ha arginato le ripartenze di Carolina, e di Sara, particolarmente pericolosa con il suo pressing e le sue giocate.

L'Italia cresce, partita dopo partita, nonostante il tifo avversario e il rientro del capitano Alice potrebbe essere la svolta per guadagnare i primi punti.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Aali 3, Vittorio 3, Sara 3, Antonio 2, Camila 2, Myla 2, Carolina 2, Giulio 1, Abby 1, Maya 1, Emma 1, Giovanni Z 1.

Argentina 1-2 Germany

 Argentina, tipped by many to win this World Cup, came a cropper today against a determined Germany. Early on though, the South Americans did take the lead when a long throw from Zach was finished by Pedro. Argentina kept up the pressure and only a fantastic save from Adrian stopped Adam from adding a second goal.

Mattia came on at the start of the second period and he added some much-needed energy to the German midfield. He equalised with a stunning shot on the turn that whistled in off the crossbar and now the Germans had some momentum. At the other end, Adrian was frustrating the Argentinian attack and he made two excellent saves from Pedro.

In period three, Germany went ahead. Again Mattia was involved, the fulcrum for a give-and-go with Ale that opened up a chance for the G7 ace and he didn't miss.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Mattia 5, Theo 4, Ale 3, Adrian 3, Dylan 2, Pedro 2, Kevin 2, Remy 2, Ziyi 1, Yufan 1, Adam O 1, Zach 1, Adam H 1

Brazil 2-2 Spain

 We're still at the beginning of this tournament but things are hotting up! It was all samba at first, with Brazil controlling the ball and pressing the Spanish back. A shot by Marco was deflected by Daniele past Seb for the fits goal. Cameron tried to grab an equaliser but Daniel saved.

Marco was involved in the second goal too, crossing to Santiago for a simple tap-in. Now Spain needed some inspiration and it came from Daniele, who made an incisive run down tha right and crossed a good ball in for Gianmarco to score.

Into period 3 and Spain won a free kick on the left, on the half-way line.  He sized it up and struck a perfectly-placed shot just under the crossbar - no chance for the goalkeeper. Both sides had chances to win it - Seb saved magnificently from Santiago, Gianmarco shot wide - but the game finished level.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Cameron 7, Seb 4, Santiago 3, Gianmarco 2, Emilio 2,  Jonah 2, Daniele 2, Ralf 2, Bernardo 2, Michael 1, Jonah 1, Marco 1 

Yellow: Gianmarco

Argentina 3-3 Netherlands

 Two of the world's top sides produced an exhilarating match in a six-goal thriller at Ambrit Stadium today. Zach tested Giovanni early on but the Dutch keeper saved well and he then kept Pedro out two minutes later. But the South Americans were pressing hard and went ahead when Pedro met a corner with a thundering header. But the Netherlands began to string a few passes together in midfield. Ben was everywhere and Antonio was never far behind. Vittorio's assist to Antonio brought an equaliser. Then, just before the first break, Pedro and Zach combined to restore the Argentinian lead.

Giulio's yellow card was the only incident of note in the second period but the pace picked up again in period 3. Pedro forced another great save from Giovanni but then Vittorio brought the teams level with a sweetly struck 'daisycutter' into the bottom corner. Lorenzo then stunned Argentina; a high ball came off Dylan, Lorenzo controlled with his forst touch and fired it home with his second. But if Dylan blamed himself there, he made up for iyt immediately by getting onto the end of a Zach throw to turn it past Giovanni and save a point for his team.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Dylan 4, Vittorio 4, Giovanni 3, Zach 3, Lorenzo 3, Ben 3, Giulio 3, Pedro 3,  Antonio 2,  Adam 1, Diego I 1

Brazil 2-1 Italy

Santiago's price tag didn't weigh too heavily today as he put two goals past a brave Italy team to make sure of the three points for Brazil. In a fast game that swung from end-to-end, both defences played well and kept chances to a minimum. A handball in the Brazil area 5' from full time allowed Carolina to pull her team closer and Brazil hung on nervously for the last few minutes.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Santiago 5, Myla 4, Carolina 4, Jonah 2, Abby 2, Louis 2, Bernardo 2, Camila 2, Athena 1, Alice 1, Isabel 1, Daniel 1, Michael 1

Yellow: Santiago, Daniel

Belgium 0-0 Germany

 Germany's 30-million Euro player was missing today and it was a dour encounter with neither team imposing itself and neither deserving more than one point. Germany had the best of the early exchanges, Mattia shooting just over the bar and Theo forcing an excellent save from Cosimo at close range.

Theo struck the bar early in the second period but then Belgium began to take over. Nothing was getting past Carlo and Leo in defence and then Rocco passed to Giorgio and he struck a strong shot just wide. Adriano had a great chance from a corner but wasn't quite ready for it and he too shot just wide. Giorgio struck a fantastic volley from the edge of the area and was unlucky to see it crash back off the bar. Theo had another shot at the other end but Rocco blocked it well.

The same players were prominent in the final period, Theo bringing another save from Cosimo and Adriano providing another assist for Giorgio who shot just wide again.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Theo 6, Giorgio 6, Carlo 5, Leo 5, Rocco 2, Mattia 2, Daniele B 1, Adriano C 1