The first of its kind in Tullysaran, the much anticipated summer cup for P4/5s went underway today. The teams were picked and the league World Cup teams played out some tight ties, there were 15 games to get through, with 7 out of the 15 ended up in closely fought drawed games, if the league was anything to go by, the knock out stages were promising.
They didn’t disappoint. Portugal finished top of the league and so we’re ranked top seed going into the semi finals. The last two teams in the league played out a shield final that ended up in penalties with spectacular penos and saves from both sets of players, the girls and boys took turns to put their team ahead, with Brazil narrowly shading the final result and running out Shield champions for 2023.
Ireland only sneaked into the knockout stages with a better goal difference, playing Portugal, but being narrowly defeated 2-1. Then it was the turn of France and Germany, that game had to be settled after the dinner break, there was nothing between them. Ending up in penalties, a couple of wonder saves pushed France through to the final against Portugal. An all European final.
The stage was set after dinner for the showdown. Tactics were talked over the last dinner of the year. Portugal, hot hot favourites, went 2 nil down in the first half. Second half, they pulled it back to 2 apiece. Final whistle sounded. The whole school surrounded the pitch and the atmosphere was like an El Classico at the Bernabau. The passion was palpable, the goalkeeping played a massive role and was to prove massive later. Another penalties. The games throughout were managed and officiated so professionally, by our experience P6s who got all the respect they deserved through the tournament.
Portugal proved too strong in the penalties, the ball slipped through the hands of the unfortunate goalkeeper. Portugal World Cup winners 2023! Well done to Ireland who won the Sports Fair Play award, with the many individual awards including golden boot, goal of the tournament, player of the tournament, and sportsperson of the day.
It was a wonder day that will live long in the memory! Roll on 2024!
