ACLI Champions League: Nomen 3-3 Ambrit

 For the second time this season, the league's two strongest teams tied in a six-goal thriller. After a scoreless first half, the game exploded into life and the home side were soon 2-0 up. The new-look Ambrit team, refreshed with four recruits from the January transfer window, looked a little bewildered but Giorgio pulled them back into the game; his strong shot was parried by the keeper but Giorgio followed up and smashed home the rebound: game on! The next goal was similar: Dylan's well-struck free kick from the left was fumbled by the goalkeeper and this time it was Daniele who followed up to bundle the ball over the line. At 2-2, both sides might have settled for a point but neither did... and neither did the referee, awarding yet another free kick in a central position to Nomen. And they scored, to make it 3-2 with just seconds to play. 

But seconds were all that Daniele needed to equalise again. Pouncing on a loose ball in midield, he unleashed a perfectly-struck and perfectly-placed shot just inside the left post to give Ambrit a well-earned point! 

Atletico Madrid 0-4 Liverpool

Today’s match was evenly contested until late in period 2 and then Louis’s team put their foot down and accelerated away. Two goals from Gianmarco - the second one from a horrendous series of defensive errors - put Atletico on the back foot and then Lorenzo delivered the knockout punch with February’s Goal of the Month. Patrick finished it off with a low free-kick that found its way through a crowd of players.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Antonio A 4, Gianmarco 3, Patrick 3, Matteo T 2, Francesco 2, Emilio E 2, Kevin 1, Giovanni P 1, Yufan 1, Lorenzo 1, Christian 1

Lyon 2-2 AS Roma

 Decisamente non una partita per deboli di cuore quella giocata oggi all'Ambrit Stadium, con due squadre disposte a tutto per conquistare i tre punti: gol, spettacolo e molto agonismo.

Parte forte la Roma, con le folate offensive di Irene e Bianca, ben supportate da Clotilde, ma il Lyon regge bene, anche grazie agli innesti di Aurora (che neutralizza Sara) e Alessandra. Tuttavia la buona difesa francese cede al colpo da maestra di Bianca che, su rimessa del portiere, lascia partire un tiro spiovente che s'infila sotto la traversa: 1-0 Roma. 

Il Lyon prende coraggio e rischia di più, consapevole di dover recuperare lo svantaggio e - allo scadere del primo tempo - la zampata di Ella, dopo azione insistita, s'infila in rete per il momentaneo 1-1.

Nella ripresa le due squadre si affrontano senza esclusione di colpi: Lavinia è una furia su tutti i palloni, Irene sembra un mastino, Bianca non smette di lottare, Margherita inventa colpi al limite della fisica ed Ella sembra posseduta. Ma a fare la differenza è Clotilde, che si avventa su un pallone inavvertitamente lasciato nell'area dal portiere. La rimessa sbatte proprio contro la romanista ed entra in porta: 2-1.

Manca una manciata di minuti al termine e il Lyon si riversa in attacco, ma la Roma sembra molto ben organizzata. L'ultima prodezza spetta però alle francesi, che con l'incredibile azione personale di Ella trovano il pareggio all'ultimo secondo! WOW...che partita!

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Ella 5, Clotilde 4, Irene 3, Lavinia 3, Margherita 3, Bianca 3, Alessia 1, Clara 1, Sofia 1, Azzurra 1.

Ajax 6-2 Manchester City

 Returning from his recent controversial sendiing-off, Capitan Cellini led the way for Ajax today with two early goals, the first from a Diego-Ale assist and the second from another Ale assist. Alessandro himself added a third while, at the other end, Giovanni rattled the bar with a long shot from his own half. City did manage to shake things up later on: Dani was lively up front and danced around Trym to score goal and give City some hope, but Diego snuffed it out soon after with a fourth for the Dutch champions. Antonio nipped in with a sneaky header for number 5 and the scoring was completed with Gabriele's cool finish and Antonio's second.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Ale 6, Daniele 4, Antonio 3, Adriano M 3, Emilio 2, Gabriele 1, Maverick 1,  Diego 1

Real Madrid 5-0 PSG

 A bad start today from PSG, allowing too much time on the ball to their opponents, merciless in pressing home their advantage.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Carlo 5, Hugo 3, Ryan 2, Martina 2, Sara 2, Freydis 2, Bianca 1, Clara 1, Marco 1, Tommaso 1, Nicola 1 

Chelsea 1-1 AS Roma

 Una partita entusiasmante, per intensità e determinazione delle due squadre, per agonismo - sul filo della correttezza - e per una crescente capacità di produrre gioco. Insomma: oggi all'Ambrit ci siamo davvero divertiti e credo si sia divertito anche il pubblico numeroso, che dagli spalti non ha smesso di incoraggiare le protagoniste del match.

Inizialmente il Chelsea ha preso in mano le redini del gioco, con un dialogo stretto tra Aurora e Martina, sempre pericolose, ma oggi, forse, poco concrete rispetto alle occasioni create. Nel primo tempo, tuttavia, la formazione inglese non sfonda, complice la resistenza di Bianca, Irene e Clotilde a centrocampo.

All'inizio del secondo tempo il Chelsea passa, grazie a un ottimo controllo di Aurora, che serve Martina al limite dell'area: stop di destro, un passo avanti e bomba all'angolino! La partita sembra indirizzata, ma la Roma non ci sta e inizia a macinare occasioni. Naila mette giù Bianca e si becca un cartellino giallo. Il gioco diventa più acceso e la Roma guadagna una punizione sulla trequarti: si incarica della battuta Bianca, Aurora in porta compie un mezzo miracolo, ma sulla ribattuta Sara si avventa sul pallone e tira forte, infilando la palla - con deviazione - tra palo e portiere. Pareggio!

Nei minuti finali entrambe le squadre sfiorano i tre punti vittoria, ma il punteggio rimane sull'1-1.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: 

Bianca 4, Irene 4, Martina 4, Aurora R 3, Sara P 3, Erica 2, Clotilde 2, Maeve 1, Aditi 1, Vittoria 1.

Ajax 6-1 Liverpool

 Ajax paraded their expensive new signing today and Ambra did not disappoint, firing in all six goals. The first three goals came in period 1 and Liverpool never really recovered. Gianmarco did get a shot in but Trym saved well. One more goal was added in period 2 and Gianmarco almost scored, not quite finishing off a good move involving Kevin and Lorenzo. Ale scored twice again in period 3 and Gianmarco did manage a reply for the Scousers.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Alessandro 8, Gianmarco 3, Adriano M 3, Emilio 2, Kevin 2, Lorenzo 1, Antonio F 1, Matteo T 1 

Arsenal 3-0 Lyon

 Bella vittoria dell'Arsenal, che ha trovato un equilibrio e una solidità migliori rispetto alla prima partita e si è "sbarazzato" di un avversario pericoloso come il Lyon, che aveva dato parecchio fastidio all'altra contendente al titolo, il Chelsea.

Sicuramente hanno pesato le assenze importanti, Margherita sulla sponda francese e Freydis su quella inglese, ma - senza il filtro a centrocampo - l'Arsenal ha avuto gioco facile sulla difesa, una volta superata la barriera Ella-Lavinia-Clara.

Molto buone le prestazioni di Sara, autrice di una doppietta, e della promessa Marina, sempre più centrale nel gioco dell'Arsenal e capace anche di andare a rete.

Il Lyon non deve perdersi d'animo, tutto è ancora possibile, con una buona organizzazione e con tanta, tanta grinta.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Marina 4, Sara M 4, Lavinia 2, Clara 2, Ella 2, Alessandra 1, Lubiana 1, Annika 1.

ACLI League: BravettaDue 0-4 Ambrit

 Despite a decidedly below-par first half performance, Ambrit went in at half time with a 1-0 lead, thanks to a lovely goal from Cameron and an impoertant save jusr before the break from Trym.

The second half performance was much better. Lorenzo stretched the lead with a low shot just inside the post. Dylan's free kick was on target and a slight deflection helped it in. And Daniele scored the fourth goal: looking to be blocked by the defender, he turned first inside and then outside and found the net with a low cross-shot to the opposite corner.

TEAM: Trym, Kevin, Vittorio, Dylan, Emilio, Cameron, Oliver, Lorenzo, Daniele, Carlo, Hugo 

Atletico Madrid 3-1 Manchester City

 After a scoreless first period, Giovanni took the Spanish side by surprise with a goal straight from the restart. But this served only to spur their opponents to play with greater determination and Atletico soon started to threaten Giovanni's goal. Vittorio gave ample warning with a rocket from 20m out that flew back off the bar. Soon after, Vittorio got the ball wide on the right and fired in another rocket from an impossible angle: Giovanni parried but Max was on hand to tap in the rebound: 1-1. The Vittorio show continued in period 3 when he made a chance for himself and bried a low shot past Giovanni to make it 2-1 and then, not long from the end, he sewed up the points with another low shot into the bottom corner.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Vittorio 6, Giovanni Z 3, Matteo 3, Antonio 3, Daniele 1, Gabriele 1, Francesco 1, Max 1, Rocco 1, Jacopo 1

Real Madrid 4-0 RB Salzburg

 Salzburg's disastrous start to the Champion's league continued today as they shipped another four goals to a well-organised team from Spain. Marco set the tone in period 1 with a well-taken goal and Hugo almost made it two but was denied by Adrian. Ashton came on for period 2 and made his presence felt, twice finishing well off assists from Marco and Carlo. In the final period, Madrid continued to push forward. Nico shot, Adriano saved; Carlo shot, Adriano saved... and again... and again... until Hugo did beat Adrian off another Marco assist. Marco hit the bar towards the end and Leopoldo had a chance at the other end, but Ryan saved. Assured performances at the back today from Carlo and Remy. Ryan's clever moves in the transfer market look like they might just pay off!

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Remy 3, Carlo 3, Marco 2, Michael 2, Sam 2, Adrian 2, Adam 2, Nicola 2, Hugo 1, Ashton 1, Leopoldo 1

LYON 1-1 CHELSEA

Lyon e Chelsea si sono affrontate a viso aperto in una gara equilibrata e combattuta: il pareggio finale è forse il risultato giusto per quello che si è visto in campo. 

La formazione di Costanza ha preso da subito in mano il pallino del gioco, ma l'iniziale assenza di Naila ha costretto le inglesi a giocare tutto su Aurora e Martina, con l'ottima Erica in copertura. Il tandem ha funzionato bene fino al vantaggio, siglato proprio da Martina, lanciata a rete da Aurora dopo un intervento al limite.

Nel secondo tempo il Lyon ha preso coraggio e consapevolezza di non essere inferiore, riuscendo a dominare in difesa grazie alle buone prestazioni di Margherita ed Ella, e alla solidità di capitan Lavinia (oggi player of the Match). Il parteggio giunge proprio con Ella, con un tiro dalla distanza che sorprende il portiere, e nel finale Naila deve evitare addirittura la sconfitta con una scivolata spettacolare.

Un pareggio giusto, insomma, a tratti spettacolare, mai noioso.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Lavinia 4, Aurora R 3, Margherita 2, Ella 2, Martina 2, Clara 2, Naila 1, Erica 1, Aditi 1, Alessia 1.

ACLI League: Simplicitas 2-4 Ambrit

Without captain Vittorio and veteran midfielder Alberto, Ambrit's squad depth was tested today and was not found wanting. With Carlo, Kevin and Dylan in scintillating form in defence, Emilio doing a good impression of Martin Odegaard in midfield, Lorenzo in free-scoring form up front and Antonio, Nicholas and Daniele in top form too, the three points were scooped up again and Ambrit continue their unbeaten run this year.

Dylan was first to test the opposition goalkeeper with a rasping shot and then Lorenzo set up Antonio but he screwed the shot wide. This was a good day for the young g7 midfielder though, his best game to date. Emilio played Lorenzo in for another chance, but Lorenzo's opening goal came 4' later - this time off a Dylan assist. Cameron, heroically in goal today despite not feeling well, made a good save just before the break.

Emilio played well today in central midfield

Ambrit needed to convert their possession into goals in the second half... and they did. Lorenzo made it 2-0 very quickly and more chances followed. Lorenzo played in Daniele: a near miss; Emilio played in Daniele with a lovely reverse pass: another near miss; Daniele played himself in, beating two defenders to set up a one-on-one with the goalkeeper: another near miss as the keeper saved well. Dani played in Dylan: another near miss! The third goal finally did come, Daniele finally finishing one off. The hosts pulled one back (was it really a goal?) and then another but Lorenzo sealed the win with the third of his hat-trick.

TEAM: Cameron, Carlo, Kevin, Dylan, Emilio, Nicholas, Antonio, Lorenzo, Daniele

 

Man City 6-1 PSG

 A lack of discipline could have cost the Blues dearly today but the City players who were left on the pitch after the two red cards were able to maintain superiority over an improving PSG team. Victor and Daniele had City ahead by the time Rocco was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Alessia, and Daniele had made it 3-0 just before Aron followed Rocco off the pitch for a second yellow card. Both players will miss the crunch tie on Feb 3rd versus Atletico Madrid. The other goals today came from Gabriele and Giovanni (2), the Gallic reply from Clara.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Daniele 7, Lavinia 3, Giovanni Z 3, Irene 2, Gabriele 2, Clara 1, Aron 1, Ella 1, Sara 1

Liverpool 5-0 Salzburg

 With multi-million Euro signing Becherini on the bench, the Austrian champions could do nothing to stop a rampant Liverpool in the first half. Patrick was all over the place in the first half, linking the play from defence to attack and scoring the opening goal. Gianmarco then took over the goalscoring duties and rifled home one, two, three, four before half-time.

Salzburg collected themselves during the break and played much better in the second half. Adam hit the post and had a couple of shots cleared off the line; Michael and Steve cleared everything at the back.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Patrick 5, Gianmarco 4, Adam 3, Michael 3, Steve 2, Erik 1, Leopoldo 1, Vincent 1, Lorenzo 1

Arsenal 1-0 AS Roma

 Un'ingenuità nei primi due minuti ben sfruttata da Annika ha permesso all'Arsenal di guadagnare i primi tre punti del campionato 2023 e di portarsi momentaneamente in testa alla classifica. La Roma, d'altro canto, complice l'assenza del capitano Sofia, non è riuscita a creare molti pericoli dalle parti di Freydis, sempre comunque molto attenta e reattiva. Buone le prove delle due difese, con una menzione particolare per Alessandra, che non ha sbagliato un intervento.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Sara M 4, Sara P 3, Alessandra 3, Irene 2, Bianca 2, Lubiana 2, Freydis 1, Annika 1, Marina 1, Clotilde 1, Maeve 1.

ACLI League: Monteverde 2-5 Ambrit

 In what was possibly Ambrit's best team performance of the season so far, the boys from Via Tajani held off their bigger opponents and picked up another three points in the race for this year's title!

Ambrit is accustomed to a difficult match at this venue and, again today, the first 10' were a bit of a trial as Monteverde piled on the pressure and got three good shots on goal - but Trym was on form and kept them all out. Ambrit's starting defensive line of Kevin, Vittorio and Dylan were slowly getting a measure of the task though and, in midfield, Oliver was closing people down well on the right and Emilio was starting to find space going forward on the left. Cameron was everywhere and, in fact, was on hand to fire home a surprise opening goal when Lorenzo laid it back into his path. The home side now redoubled their efforts and, when Ambrit conceded an unnecessary free kick in a dangerous position, they nabbed an equaliser off the free kick. Half-time, 1-1, even game, all to play for!

Back row: Hugo Cameron, Vittorio, Emilio, Dylan, Lorenzo
Front row: Oliver, Trym, Kevin, Nicolas, Antonio

As the second half began, Nicolas and Hugo came in for Ambrit. Following their late first half equaliser, Monteverde should have had the momentum and confidence to pull ahead but it was Ambrit who scored with the best goal of the day. Dylan played a long ball down the left towards Emilio, who timed his run to meet the ball perfectly on the volley and into the opposite bottom corner beyond the desperate clutches of the goalkeeper. Emilio was then replaced by Antonio and, riding on a wave of enthusiasm, Ambrit added a third goal (Lorenzo) and a fourth (Hugo) and then the hosts pulled one back. But just as this might have been the spark for a late comeback, any nascent flame was snuffed out by Lorenzo's well-taken second goal. 

Liverpool 7-1 PSG

 Liverpool's bargain-basement signing lit up Ambrit Stadium today with an early hat-trick and left PSG with an uphill task in the Spring Intramural Champions' League.

Though kept at bay early on with some fantastic saves from Freydis, Liverpool did find a way through time after time and Gianmarco foolowed up Patrick's tripletta by adding a fourth with a trademark header. Two goals from Kevin and one from Matteo completed Liverpool's tally but some great defending from Lavinia and Bianca kept the scoreline down. A well-taken consolation by Aurora was the least that a courageous PSG deserved.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Freydis 5,  Patrick 4, Lavinia 3, Aurora 3, Gianmarco 2, Louis 2, Kevin 1, Bianca 1 

Teachers 1-2 Grade 7

The crowds left Ambrit stadium in shock yesterday having witnessed one of football’s great upsets. The teachers expected to win comfortably and all was well as Mr Alessandro scored early on with a beautiful back-heeled shot. Later in the first half, Rocco broke through and equalised but the goal was disallowed for handball, a decision later confirmed by VAR.

In the second half, Rocco struck the crossbar with a good shot and then he tested Mr Martin with a free kick. The teachers now had a goal disallowed too, Mr Piccolo’s final touch judged to be illegal. Rocco shot wide again and then Mr Martin made a fantastic double save, first from Daniele and then from Rocco who was following up. IT seemed that g7 were destined not to score but then Mr Cristiani’s rigid interpretation of the penalty rule gave Giovanni a chance from the spot: he didn’t miss and now it was 1-1 with five minutes to play.

G7 got a corner on the right. Rocco went to take it. The situation seemed to be under control for the teachers but Rocco had other ideas. Taking everyone by surprise, he hammered the ball directly into the opposite corner to seal this historic win!

Transfer Market - Girls

 

Transfer Market 2023 - Girls

All four captains bid for Aurora but Costanza edged out her rivals and put a 75 million price tag on the g7 ace. Costanza picked up Martina for 15 million and wrapped up her spending with Naila.

Ella was also on everyone’s shopping list but she will play for Lyon, where she will team up with g8 colleague Clara (50 million!) and expert goalkeeper Alessia.

Irene was a bargain at 20 million and she will surely drive Roma to glory. Bianca cost 70 million and Sara P makes up the trio.

Arsenal did good business too, landing Lubiana and Sara M for a combined fee of 30 million! Alessandra joins them at Highbury.

Transfer Market 2023 - Boys

 The Spring Intramural got underway with some furious bidding in the January transfer market. Three captains launched significant bids for last year's Best Player but Antonio's 80 million won out to bring Vittorio to Atletico Madrid.

Another huge bid of 75 million was enough for Adriano to land Alessandro and the Dutch champions also managed to add two more g8 players in Tiago and Emilio P. 

Manchester City on the other hand are pursuing a youth policy and have invested in three g7 prospects, including goalkeeper Giovanni Z who cost a hefty 65 million.  

The prize for bargain hunter of the day must surely go to Louis who grabbed Top Scorer Gianmarco for a meagre 30 million and Patrick for just 10. 

Teachers 5-0 Grade 6

 A dominant display from the teachers today sent a warning to all of the student teams that these old fogies are not to be taken lightly!

Nicola spurned an early chance to score from the spot and then Mr. Max (with a header) and Mr Alessandro (with a shot) almost opened the scoring. Mr Piccolo did score though - merciless attacker that he is - to put the teachers ahead.

But the students, despite the final scoreline, did play well. Tommaso played Emilio in but he couldn't sort his feet out in time and he finished weakly. Emilio had another chance almost immediately but this too was wasted. Jacopo was next: another good chance spurned. All of these chances were the result of good running off the ball and good quick passing. But the teachers' finishing was sharper, and a lovely passing move down the left (Piccolo - Max - Alessandro) was finished by the tennis ace for 2-0.

Second half: Mr Max scored an early goal and then supplied the assist for goal four by Mr Piccolo. The teachers were cruising now and Mr Chad almost got onto the scoresheet, but Mr Piccolo supplied the necessary tap in and completed another hat-trick, his third in as many years.

Boys' Final: Wales 1-3 Germany

 Hot favourites Wales fell at the last hurdle today as Germany used all their tournament nous to rack up a historic victory. Germany looked solid from the start. Giovanni in goal radiated confidence to the whole team and Emilio up front never gave the Welsh defenders a moment of peace. Adam was strong in midfield and captain Gianmarco was... well, he played like a captain. Wales almost took the lead in the first period but Gabriel's header was just too high. Ashton made no mistake for Germany though: 1-0.

In period 2, Tiago came out of goal and transformed the welsh attack, adding energy and penetration and setting up Daniele for an equaliser... but the shot was blocked and the teams headed into the last period.

Germany struck again. Kevin played a pass to Emilio and he shot home to make it 2-0. But Vittorio wasn't giving up easily and he drove home an unstoppable shot to make it 2-1. Would this be Argentina-France all over again? Almost... and Ryan did make a save from Gianmarco that rivaled the save of Martinez for Argentina and left the Welsh with a chance to get back into the game. But, alas for them, Gianmarco got another chance and this time Ryan couldn't quite keep out the close-range header.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Emilio E 4, Carlo C 3, Tiago 3, Ryan 2, Giovanni Z 2, Adam 1, Kevin 1, Tommaso 1, Vittorio 1, Gabriele 1, Daniele 1, Gianmarco 1  

Third Place Final: Mexico 1-0 Cameroon

 A closely-contested encounter in today's antipasto. Rocco scored the game's only goal and sent a challenge to Gianmarco et al for the Top Scorer Award. All to play for in today's final!

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Carlo 5, Rocco 3, Patrick 3, Francesco 2, Aron 2, Leo 2, Marco 2, Lorenzo 2

ACLI League: Ambrit 10-4 Santa Caterina

 The unfortunate visitors made their lives difficult fromthe off, gifting an own goal to their hosts after just 6' of play. Ambrit pressed home their advantage and Antonio was well  positioned to bundle a second goal over the line and Vittorio made it 3-0 after 15'. Daniel coverted Lorenzo's assist before S. Caterina pulled two goals back just before the break.

The visitors came back out for the second half fully intending to get back into the game. But Ambrit weren't about to allow that. Cameron picked out Lorenzo: 5-2; Lorenzo picked out Dylan: 6-2; Cameron made it 7 and Dylan made it 8. The teams swapped four more goals before the end, Vittorio and Lorenzo scoring for Ambrit.

TEAM: Trym, Carlo, Vittorio, Dylan, Cameron, Antonio, Kevin, Daniele, Daniel, Lorenzo

Boys SF: Germany 3-1 Mexico

 Europe versus S. America and the Europeans progress to next Wednesday's final where they face hot favourites, Wales. Gianmarco put his team ahead in period 1 with a penalty and Adam made it 2-0 in period 2. Rocco pulled a goal back and Leo stuck a shot low and hard just past the post as Mexico made a fight of it.

Gianmarco could have wrapped it all up in period 3 but his shot on the turn from close range was well saved by Giovanni P, but he did score minutes from the end off an Adam assist. 

BEST PLAYER POINTS:  Gianmarco 5, Giovanni Z 3, Francesco 2, Nicola 1, Rocco 2, Leo 2, Trym 1, Adam 1, Emilio 1, Kevin 1, Giovanni P 1, Adam 1

CROAZIA CAMPIONE! Croazia 3-2 Malta

 La tanto attesa finale del torneo femminile, combattuta ed equilibrata, giocata a viso a aperto da tutte e due le formazioni, si è conclusa sul punteggio di 0-0 e si è risolta solamente ai calci di rigore. 

Il tempo di gioco ha visto due formazioni combattive, determinate e abbastanza organizzate. Malta forse ha prodotto qualcosina in più sul piano del palleggio, affidandosi alle ripartenze di Martina e Aurora, davvero molto pericolose quando avevano la palla al piede, ma poco precise al tiro. La Croazia, con il tipico atteggiamento avuto durante tutti i mondiali, ha aspettato e ha limitato gli avversari, grazie a un buon blocco difensivo, oggi impersonato egregiamente da Ella e dall'eroina della giornata Alessia. Quest'ultima è stata infatti protagonista assoluta, prima neutralizzando un colpo di testa ravvicinato di Aurora nei minuti finali, poi ai rigori, ipnotizzando le avversarie e mostrando una sorprendente rapidità nell'intuire il tiro della calciatrice di turno.

Vince dunque la Croazia il primo intramural stagionale, in attesa di conoscere le squadre che usciranno dal Calciomercato di gennaio.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Alessia 5, Ella 4, Aurora R 3, Martina 3, Naila 2, Lubiana 1, Clara 1, Lavinia 1, Alessandra 1, Clotilde 1.

Boys SF: Wales 2-1 Cameroon

 The Welsh Dragon continued its regal march to the final with a deserved victory over Cameroon. Wales went 1-0 up when Vittorio blasted a free kick low towards the bottom corner; Daniel almost cleared the ball but it got past him and into the net. In period 2, Vittorio almost doubled the lead but Patrick made a great save and then saved again from Antonio's follow-up, pushing the ball onto the post and away. The applause for Patrick had barely died down when he disappointed the crowd, not dealing with a much easier shot from Tiago: 2-0. Cameroon upped the tempo for the last few minutes. Daniel forced a good save from Ryan and Lorenzo pulled a goal back, too little, too late.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Vittorio 5, Daniel 2, Daniele P 2, Lorenzo 2, Martino 2, Tiago 1, Gabriele 1, Ryan 1, Carlo C 1, Carlo T 1, Antonio F 1, Patrick 1, Louis 1

ACLI League: OMC 2-8 Ambrit

 Cameron got us off to a flying start today, with a well-struck shot that fizzed low off the wet pitch to put Ambrit 1-0 up after just 3 minutes. But the team didn't settle: possession was wasted, passes went awry, players were not ready to receive the ball. Ambrit paid the price and were hauled back to 1-1. 

But normal service was soon resumed. The introduction of Alberto to the key central midfield position stabilised things a little and the scoreline changed rapidly. A feathery touch from Emilio: 2-1; a neat one-two with Daniele and Alberto made it 3-1; two good assists from Oliver and Cameron + Daniel brought the total to five. A crazy own goal from midfield made it six, OMC pulled one back and Alberto and Dylan rounded things off.

Friendly: Ambrit 1 - 4 St Stephen's

 Ambrit competed well, especially in the first half. With the teams still at 0-0, Daniele hit the post but that was the signal for SSS to wake up. Two quick goals from Bertie (a tap in) and Giorgio (an unstoppable drive) allowed the older team to relax, but Adam had them on their toes again before half time when he pulled one back for the hosts.

The second half looked easier for SSS on the scoreboard but, on the field, it was an even contest right to the end.

TEAM: Tiago, Carlo, Leo, Michael, Kevin, Trym, Oliver, Gabriele, Adam, Daniele, Daniel

Remaining fixtures

 Wed Dec 14 WALES vs Cameroon (BOYS semi-final)

Thu Dec 15 MALTA vs CROATIA GIRLS FINAL

Fri Dec 16 Mexico vs Germany (BOYS semi-final)

Wed Dec 21 BOYS third place final 11.20

Wed Dec 21 BOYS FINAL 14.00

Germany 1-3 England

 England woke up! It must have been Clara in midfield, but suddenly Emilio's team played well. But not in time; England win and go out, Germany lose but go forward to a semi-final versus Mexico. First half goals today from Hugo and Adriano. Kevin played in Ashton for a second half goal for Germany and the Germans pressed hard for an equaliser. Both of today's top players were in fact on the losing team. But the shots that rained in on goal were wide or were saved by Adrian (an especially good save off a Matteo shot!). Captain Emilio topped off his side's win with a well-taken goal, cutting in off the right and sliding it past the hapless goalkeeper.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Adam 3, Ashton 3, Michael 2, Hugo 2, Kevin 2, Adrian 2, Matteo 1, Giovanni Z 1, Adriano 1, Oliver 1, Emilio 1, Gianmarco 1, Trym 1

ACLI League: Ambrit 3-3 Nomen

 After a morning of torrential rainfall, this was a match to warm the cockles of your heart. Ambrit were missing some key players - Vittorio, Carlo and Lorenzo all out - but they still managed to dominate the play for most of the game. Emilio put his team ahead with a beautifully-taken corner, straight over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net. An accident? No - all decided before the game! Ambrit had chances to add to their lead before half time but none was taken.

The visitors equalised early in the second half but Ambrit went ahead again when a long free kick from Cameron and Alberto found Daniel at the far post. He was quicker to the ball than either goalkeeper or defender and scored. Ambrit went 3-1 up when Emilio's shot was deflected home and now the three points were there for the taking; but Nomen made it 3-2 when Ambrit didn't clear the ball from defence and the equaliser came soon afterwards. A foul on Cameron was ignored by the referee and the ball fell to Nomen: 3-3.

Ambrit should have won the game at the end. Cameron and Emilio took a quick corner but the referee halted play. Emilio then lofted a lovely corner to the far post, Daniele headed home but the goal was disallowed. Bad decision. 'Pazienza, andiamo avanti'.

Lots of good performances today but one of the smnallest players on the pitch was head and shoulders above everyone. Playing in defence, Kevin was outstanding. Brave in the tackle, composed in possession, clever with his positioning. Grande!

TEAM: Trym, Dylan, Oliver, Kevin, Cameron, Alberto, Emilio, Daniele, Daniel, Antonio, Nicolas

Argentina 1-2 Mexico

 A very tense match, too much complaining to the referee, too many niggly fouls. Ale opened the scoring in period 1 with a typical movement, using his speed to make space, using his skill to shoot accurately. He might have scored a second goal too, but his shot crashed down off the bar... over the line? Maybe, maybe not. No goal.

Rocco's equalising goal came in period 2 and matched Ale's goal for skill and composure. Mexico dominated period 2 and Antonio worked hard to keep the scores level. Mexico won the game in period 3, Adriano pouncing on a loose ball to fire a shot down the middle and into the back of the net.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Rocco 4, Ale 4, Max 3, Marco 3, Antonio 2, Adriano 2, Nicola 1, Diego 1, Vincent 1

Breaking News

 The disciplinary committee of the FIGC (Federazione Intramural Giuoco Calcio) wishes to clarify the situation as regards players who receive red cards in qualifying rounds of the competition.

Players who receive a red card in their last qualifying match WILL be allowed to play in the semi-final BUT they will begin the match with a yellow card.

Wales 1-0 Cameroon

 The first big chance of the game fell to Jacopo, when Daniel's inventive pass found him in the penalty area with just Tiago to beat, but Tiago did enough to force the shot wide of the left post. Jacopo continued to do well in the second period, putting the defence under pressure and finding space. He made himself another chance but this time was foiled by Ryan. Wales's best chance of the game came next: Vittorio to Tiago on the right wing and his cross found Daniele's head in the middle but Patrick saved.

The only goal of the game arrived in period 3. Vittorio controlled the ball on the left, turned outside the defender and banged a lovely low shot into the opposite corner.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Vittorio 7, Carlo T 3, Carlo C 2, Jacopo 2, Daniele 2, Patrick 2, Tiago 1, Daniel 1, Martino 1

Germany 3-2 Cameroon

 For a long time, it looked like Kevin's early miss might turn out to be crucial but Kevin and Germany made up for it later on. It was Cameroon who took the lead when Daniel's assist fell to Antoine but Germany equalised early in the second period, following a nice move up the right: Giovanni's long ball found Emilio and he swapped passes with his captain before scoring. Giancarlo provided another assist two minutes later and, this time, Kevin was on hand to finish. Just before the interval, Patrick's presence and dribbling opened up some space for Cameroon and Daniel was able to equalise.

Both sides tried hard to win the game in period 3 but they were careful to defend well too. And they did.... until Giancarlo played a lovely pass to Kevin and Ashton converted to take all three points!

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Giancarlo 3, Kevin 3, Daniel 2, Trym 2, Ashton 2, Adam 2, Giovanni Z 1, Carlo 1, Emilio E 1, Antoine 1, Remy 1, Patrick 1, Leopoldo 1

RISA Friendly: Ambrit 8-5 St George's

 Ambrit got off to a quick start, with two early goals from Hugo separated by a St George's reply. The visitors then stepped up a gear and banged in three goals before half-time to lead 4-2. A re-organised Ambrit then took things in hand as the second half started. Daniele made it 3-4; Antonio scored an equaliser and Ambrit pulled further ahead with goals from Emilio and Daniel (3). Kevin played well in defence, winning ball and coming forward. Leo too was solid at the back. Trym made a series of excellent saves. Daniele was everywhere. When Emilio finally woke up, his vision and passing were as good as ever.

TEAM: Trym, Leo, Kevin, Antonio, Daniele, Daniel, Hugo, Emilio

Wales 3-0 Mexico

 Wales banished the pain of a 2-0 defeat to Iran with this comprehensive victory over Mexico.

An own goal by Mexico opened the game up and Vittorio followed up with two more. Gabriele could have had a couple earlier on, with fierce shots that peppered the crossbar, the post and the goal. Ryan was busy and acquitted himself well. Sam and Carlo were solid in defence; Tiago and Dani created lots up front. For Mexico, lots of honest effort but the spark was missing.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Vittorio 5, Gabriele 3, Tiago 2, Daniele 2, Rocco 2, Sam 2, Carlo 1, Leo 1, Francesco 1, Ryan 1, Marco 1

 

Malta 2-1 Bielorussia

In un match serratissimo e condizionato dal nervosismo e dalla posta in palio, la spunta all'ultimo istante Malta, mentre la Bielorussia, dominante nella parte finale della gara, vede sfumare il passaggio in finale per una fatale distrazione. Colpevole anche l'arbitro - forse - nel chiamare fiscalmente un controfallo che si è poi rivelato decisivo. 

Veniamo al match: parte forte Malta, con Aurora sempre pericolosa, ma a siglare il vantaggio è la Bielorussia con un'azione fantastica di Bianca, pronta a sparare col sinistro dopo una respinta corta del portiere sulla sua stessa conclusione. Malta accusa il colpo e rischia di andare nel pallone, ma sul finire del primo tempo Martina serve in profondità Aurora, che la mette alle spalle del portiere.

Il secondo tempo rimane molto equilibrato: Malta avrebbe l'occasione ghiotta di segnare, ma la difesa fa muro davanti ad Aurora e si salva. Quando tutto sembra deciso, ecco l'episodio che cambia il match: a un minuto dalla fine l'arbitro decreta il cambio di rimessa laterale, Aurora si lancia in profondità e insacca. Le Bielorusse tentano un'azione disperata, ma Sara trova l'opposizione di Alessandra sulla linea di porta e Malta accede alla finale!

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Bianca 5, Aurora 3, Sara 3, Alessandra 2, Martina 2, Lubiana 1, Margherita 1, Tea 1, Naila 1.

ACLI League: Ambrit 2-6 Serafico BUT AMBRIT WIN 3-0 'A TAVOLINO' DUE TO OVERAGE PLAYERS ON SERAFICO

To use a tired clichè... this was a game of two halves! From Ambrit's point of view, the first half was a disaster. Slow to the ball, weak in the tackle, hesitant in attack... and 4-0 down at the break to a team with just one good player. Ambrit dominated possession, dominated territory but couldn't control the big No 10 in attack and paid the price.

In the second half, much improvement. Dylan put the No 10 in his pocket and passes were quicker and crisper. Cameron scored, Daniele scored, pride was salvaged.

BREAKING NEWS: 

AMBRIT WIN 3-0 'A TAVOLINO' DUE TO OVERAGE PLAYERS ON SERAFICO

England 2-4 Argentina

 Adrian pulled off a fantastic double save but Vittorio C beat him for the first Argentinian goal. At the other end, Victor was called into action too when Oliver almost finished off a good team move. Adrian then saved well from Tommaso but the 6th grader tried again soon afterwards and scored this time. Max added a third before the break. 

All seemed lost but England came back into the match in period 3. Hugo scored: 3-1. Oliver scored: 3-2. But, just as English hopes were rising, Steve made a match-saving tackle and Max crowned a great performance of speed and strength with a second goal.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Max 4, Hugo 3, Tommaso 3, Adrian 3,  Giovanni V 2,Oliver 1, Vittorio C 1, Victor 1, Steve 1,  Michael 1, Antonio 1

Wales 0-0 Germany

 On the eve of the opening match in Qatar, Wales and Germany fought out a grim 0-0 draw. A few shots here and there but nothing much to report. A Shakespearean occasion... Much Ado About Nothing.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Vittorio 4, Emilio 3, Daniele 3, Giovanni 2, Gianmarco 2,  Adam 2,Remy 1, Matteo T 1, Giulio 1, Tiago 1, Ryan 1

Malta 1-0 Croazia

 Una partita chiave quella che si è svolta ieri all'Ambrit Stadium: la Croazia - già qualificata per la finale - cede il passo a Malta, che rientra in corsa e si porta a 3 punti come Bielorussia e Islanda. L'ultimo scontro tra Malta e Bielorussia sarà decisivo per trovare la seconda finalista...

A dire la verità la Bielorussia è entrata in campo già con un atteggiamento dimesso, un po' perché aveva alcune assenze ed era sotto numericamente, un po' perché la posta in palio non era importante. Ciò non significa che Malta non abbia faticato a portare a casa i tre punti: l'ottima difesa e la combattività di Ella, la buona presenza in porta di Alessia e lo schermo di protezione costituito da Marina, Maeve e Sofia è stato molto efficace. Solo un tiro potente e preciso dalla distanza di Aurora (player of the Match) ha piegato la resistenza delle avversarie e ha permesso a Malta di portarsi in vantaggio.

Nel secondo tempo le Croate hanno provato a reagire, ma hanno trovato sulla loro strada una difesa agguerrita, in particolar modo Naila, dominante in fase di interdizione. Martina, Lubiana e soprattutto Aurora hanno lavorato bene a centrocampo, riuscendo a contenere anche le iniziative di Clara e Lavinia.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Aurora R 5, Naila 3,  Martina 2, Alessia 2, Alessandra 2, Clara 1, Lavinia 1, Ella 1, Maeve 1, Marina 1, Clotilde 1, Lubiana 1. 

Cameroon 3-2 England

An extravagant early goal from Carlo and another from Emilio set this game up nicely and it stayed even for some time. Cameroon nosed ahead when a shot from Lorenzo was allowed to trickle agonisingly over the line and Patrick made it 3-1. England tried to string a few moves together but with limited success. They did pull a goal back to set up a frenetic finish, Oliver cleverly turning an Emilio assist into the corner.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Giovanni V 4, Emilio 3, Carlo 3, Patrick 3, Daniel 3, Hugo 2, Oliver 2, Ziyi 1 

Bielorussia 4-0 Iceland

 La Bielorussia schianta l'Islanda grazie a una grande prestazione corale, anche se non mancano le prestazioni sorprendenti, come quella di Margherita - dominante in mezzo al campo e autrice di una doppietta. Ottime le prestazioni anche di Bianca Pt e Sara M che mettono con le spalle al muro l'Islanda, oggi particolarmente sottotono, tranne che per l'inesauribile Irene, che le prova tutte per rovesciare la situazione.

Buon lavoro di Bianca Pq in difesa da una parte e di Azzurra e Aurora dall'altra.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Margherita 5, Bianca Pt 4, Irene 4, Sara M 3, Sara P 2, Bianca Pq 2, Aurora A 1, Azzurra 1, Annika 1.

ACLI league: SF Cabrini 2-3 Ambrit

An evening kick-off under the lights, a stadium packed with passionate ultras, noise, fireworks and smoke bombs: Ambrit had it all for their first match in the ACLI league this year but none of it was enough to distract our team.

Captain Vittorio wins the toss

Cameron had an early chance in the first half but his angled shot sneaked just wide. Ambrit dominated possession, with Alberto slotting back into his central midfield role as if the summer break had never happened. Daniel played in goal and was solid. Carlo was a rock in defence, winning balls with his foot, his head, his chest; Dylan ditto: non si passa. Ambrit took the lead when Vittorio found Emilio on the right. He cleverly flicked it over the onrushing goalkeeper and Lorenzo helped it over the line.

The second half began just like the first: this time Lorenzo had an early chance

Carlo and Trym ignore the Ultras!

but pulled the ball wide. On a rare foray forward, SF Cabrini were awarded a penalty: 1-1. Ambrit now threw Daniele into the mix and got instant payback, the young striker making it 2-1. Daniele then hit a post shortly afterwards and, as Ambrit continued to press, Alberto made it 3-1. The hosts threw everything into attack and found their way through to make it 3-2 and set up a grandstand finish. But Ambrit hung on and deservedly went home with three points. 

TEAM: Daniel, Carlo, Vittorio, Dylan, Cameron, Alberto, Emilio, Lorenzo, Daniele, Kevin, Oliver, Nicolas, Trym

Croatia 2-0 Bielorussia

 Ancora due reti e ancora una vittoria per la sorprendente Croazia 🇭🇷  questa volta ai danni della Bielorussia 🇧🇾 . Le marcatrici, le stesse del primo match, sono sempre Lavinia e Costanza, ormai gemelle del gol...

Veniamo alla cronaca della partita: le bielorusse fanno paura, con Sara che subito prova a dribblare l'intera squadra avversaria, ma a lungo andare è una tattica che non paga. Cinicamente la Croazia va in vantaggio, quando Costanza sfrutta un'indecisione della difesa e piazza un diagonale a fil di palo.

La reazione della Bielorussia è rabbiosa, ma poco organizzata e i vari tentativi di Sara, Bianca e compagne non porta grandi pericoli dalle parti di Alessia.

Nel secondo tempo, un'altra mischia permette a Lavinia di segnare ancora una volta, lasciando le avversarie nella frustrazione di aver tenuto tanto la palla, senza davvero creare occasioni. 

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS:

Clara 3, Ella 2, Costanza 2, Lavinia 1, Sara 2, Bianca Pt 2, Bianca Pq 1, Alessia 1.

Real Casaletto 3-10 Ambrit

 Good start to Ambrit's football year: after last week's convincing win over AOSR on home turf, Ambrit followed up with another dominant performance away from home.

Captained by Leo, who had an outstanding game in defence, Ambrit took an early lead when Leo himself drilled home a long free kick. The home side were quickly back on level terms though, their No. 10 firing home a shot from the left wing. Daniel saw his first good shot rebound off the bar and Daniele, following up, had his shot saved. But neither boy would need to wait too long to get onto the scoresheet:  Daniele was first, then Daniel... 3-1. Oliver was having a great game, raiding down the left wing at every opportunity and the young Austrian ace made it 4-1 at half time with a shot that sneaked in from a narrow angle.

The second half followed the same pattern. Sam was solid in defence; Nicolas played intelligent, generous football on the right. Antonio tackled well, passed well. Kevin was everywhere. Ambrit added six more goals: one from Kevin, two more from Daniel (one a very sweetly-struck shot from 20m out) and three more from Daniele, including a gem that only he could have scored after a typical twisting dribble in impossibly tight spaces.

TEAM: Antonio, Sam, Leo, Nicolas, Kevin, Daniel, Oliver, Daniele

Mexico 1-3 Cameroon

 A masterful display from Cameroon today, soaking up the pressure from a scary Mexico and then striking lethally when the opportunities presented themselves. The only chance of the first period fell to Spiderman Diego, but his touch was less than silken and the ball went spinning wide. Later he inadvertently blocked a shot from Marco, provoking the best comment from a fan so far this year: "you're supposed to be saving people, not goals!"

In period 2, Carlo played Jacopo in for goal number 1; Leopoldo made it 2-0 and Carlo had a hand in the build up again. And Carlo made it a hat-trick of assists for Jacopo's second goal.

In period 3, Mexico upped the pressure even more but their shooting was poor. Only Diego managed to score.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Jacopo 7, Leonardo 4, Marco 2, Carlo 2, Diego 1, Patrick 2, Daniel 1, Rohan 1, Leopoldo 1