After International Beginners and HuaMei got us off to a good start with an exciting 1-1 draw, it was time for Arab Team to make their entrance. Unfortunately for Richard, it was a grand one; the Arabic students scored eight goals without reply inside twelve minutes! This was by far the biggest win in our tournament history, and the watching teams looked extremely nervous!
The black-shirted Beginners were next to face Arab Team. They put up a good performance, but two late goals sent Arab Team through to the Grand Final. HuaMei then won a hard tussle against Richard, 2-0, to keep their championship hopes alive.
In the final round of matches, HuaMei couldn't stop Arab Team's strikers and lost 4-1. This gave International Beginners the chance to make the final, and, knowing that they needed a two-goal victory to progress, they attacked from the start. Unfortunately, bad finishing and non-existent marking meant that Richard were able to chalk up a 3-2 win.
So, the Grand Final was a rematch between Arab Team and HuaMei. However, the Chinese boys started much better this time and took the lead after a couple of minutes. HuaMei were marking tightly and tackling fiercely while Arab Team seemed to be getting more and more tired. It looked as if Arab Team would go in at half-time losing until Fahad pounced on a rebound seconds before the end of the first half to level the scores.
The second half was tight with few goal chances, and, after sixteen minutes, the game ended in a draw. The teams prepared for our first penalty shootout. Faiez saved the first two penalties, and Abati stepped up with the fourth penalty to secure the title amid wild celebrations from Arab Team's players and supporters!
Despite the tight contest in the Grand Final, everyone agreed that Arab Team had been the best team and fully deserved the medals. Choosing the best player, however, was more difficult. Several of the Arabic players had impressed during the tournament and had contributed to the triumph. Eventually, I decided that, for his goal and unflagging efforts in the final game, Fahad should recieve the medal. This is his second consecutive Best Player award; congratulations!
The selections for best team reflect Arab Team's dominance; four of the five players selected represent the 'yellow machine'!
Faiz (Arab Team)
Abadi (Arab Team)
Fahad (Arab Team)
Abdull (Arab Team)
Colin (HuaMei)
Two wins and one second place in three tournaments; will Arab Team make it a hat-trick of victories next time? Come and watch in December to find out!