Tournament Director's Report

Belgium takes out the inugural EU Cup in style

The original concept of an EU Cup was first mooted by Aussie Rules International and Aussie Rules UK in early January 2005, when it was agreed that Europe needed a variation of the 18-a-side game and a tournament of European nations to showcase it.

Initially earmarked for Paris yet later moved to London, the Organising Committee agreed that any more than 6 nations in attendance would be a bonus. After the first round of invitations, 8 teams had accepted and within a short time, that number soon became 10. To have ten teams enter the very first EU Cup was beyond anyone’s wildest dreams – and now the challenge was to execute a tournament worthy of all the nations who would be participating. On behalf of the Organising Committee, we trust we were successful in this challenge.

Following is a country by country summary for all competing nations at the Cup.

Austria
Finished in 10th place

Without doubt winless Austria had a tough draw and a tough day at the office where a little bit of luck might have seen them notch a win or two and improve in the final standings. The highlight for me was the extremely competitive game against Catalonia where they outscored the brave Catalonians but lost the tie on handicap. Again a bit more luck might have seen them just get over the line against the tough Scottish team.

Hats off to Ben Chick, who flew in directly from Australia, and James Boardman for their efforts in assembling a squad from all over Europe. And last but not least, I would like to personally thank Macca for volunteering his time to field umpire so many games.

Belgium
EU Cup 2005 Champions

Belgium came in as the current CEAFL champions and equal favourites with Sweden. They lived up to their reputation giving Sweden a master class display in the EU Cup final. A strong unit all through the tournament, apart from the desperately close loss to a dynamic and surprising Israeli team, it was clear Belgium were here to win and take the inaugural EU Cup crown. And so they did with a combination of intelligent football, great teamwork and a full bench of equally capable replacements.

Congratulations to their ruckman, Chris Gooch, who won the EU Cup final best-on-ground “Clarke” medal with a commanding performance around the midfield, and many thanks to their manager, Christian Nielsen, who unfortunately missed the second half of the final due to an early flight home.

Belgium has set a high playing standard this time round and everyone will be keen to topple the king next year. Let’s hope they can take up the challenge of creating a domestic league and including more local players in future squads, building on their success at the 2005 EU Cup.

Catalonia
Finished in 7th place

With Spain withdrawing and the enthusiasm of Catalonia to attend in its place, the EU Cup Organising Committee took a chance in issuing an invitation to a team very few people knew existed. And what a fantastic turn of events we were privileged to witness!

Catalonia came to London with not one Aussie expat (and none even playing in their league), a squad with both the youngest (16 years) and equal oldest (44 years) player and, apart from a game against Madrid some years ago, no contact with any of the footy community outside of Spain. No one knew how they would play. Many might have suggested that they would be the tournament’s wooden-spooners.

Every game for Catalonia was a celebration in itself. They played with ferocity and passion, many times displaying the flair we all expect from that corner of Europe. Clearly, they more games they played, the better they played. Surely they must be close to winning a game?

Soundly beaten in their first two games against the eventual semi-finalists in Belgium and Germany, they nearly caused the boil-over of the tournament, just going down by 8 points to a very skilled and dynamic Israeli team, with a late ball-bursting goal from Rooster after the siren.

At approximately 2:24pm, a moment all footy players in Catalonia will never forget, the dream first win occurred with a one goal victory over the expat dominated Austria. Scenes of joy and rapture encompassed the field as the players celebrated, embraced and sang. The Catalonian team management were almost in tears. Catalonia had not only won their first game but also won over many fans, who were impressed with their commitment and passion which saw them win on handicap.

Finally, against France, they showed it was no fluke and went on the win that match by nine points and claim 7th place in the final standings. It should be duly noted that Catalonia stepped into match to replace England who left the tournament early, thereby allowing France to play one last game and for that, the Organisation Committee is very grateful.

With some serious juniors and schools plans in the pipeline, one can imagine it is only a matter of time before Catalonia surprises some of Europe’s bigger guns. Definitely a team to keep an eye on in future EU Cups.

England
Finished in 3rd place in Pool B and exited prior to the finals

Much was expected from the home nation and many had them as their favourites. However, when only 6 players turned up to play the first game against the unknown Dutch team, it wasn’t an ideal start.

However, things started to turn around with solid wins over the French and Scots and the confidence was high for the big clash with the all-conquering Swedes. Unfortunately, this wasn’t to be as the Swedes overpowered the Dragonslayers with a clinical display of team oriented football and finishing.

At the end of the pool round and with fewer players and general tiredness – some players had played for Great Britain the previous day – the Dragonslayers exited the tournament, allowing France to play for Catalonia in the classification round. For their act of kindness, the Organising Committee would like to thank the England Dragonslayers and their Team Manager, Joao Coehlo.

If there was a "Fair play" award at the EU Cup, both Israel and England would be joint winners. Long may their example of goodwill and spirit live at the EU Cup.

France
Finished in equal 8th place

France came to the EU Cup with an entirely French squad brimming with confidence to cause a few upsets. Unfortunately, the luckless French battled hard but failed to notch up a win – though coming very close against Catalonia in the final game.

Their brave and forward thinking decision to field a squad composed entirely of local players allowed them to take a maximum handicap of 30 points into each game. However, against some of the more “Aussie” dominated teams, while France battled admirably they simply weren’t able to match them for experience and skill… for now. It won’t be too long before France along with Catalonia starts challenging and defeating their more expat heavy rivals. Watch this space.

As hosts for the next EU Cup in 2006, we wish them every success in building a more competitive team and we look forward to receiving news of footy’s expansion in France and the regions nearby. EU Cup 2005 in London has set a high standard for European tournaments; I have no doubt that the EU Cup in Paris will raise it even higher.

Germany
Finished in 4th place

Germany came with a strong squad boasting 11 German players from several clubs in the highly successful AFLG League and high hopes for a win in the inaugural EU Cup. Unfortunately, things didn’t quite start off on the right foot when they lost their inspirational ruckman and Team Manager, Fabian Cordts, with a wrist injury during the warm up prior to the opening match.

However, this didn’t stop them playing some creative and dynamic footy, effectively using their speedy midfielders and running in space on the wings. In the pool round Germany notched up 2 convincing wins (including one over the impressive Israeli team by handicap) showing that they have the depth and local talent to mix it with some of the better teams.

In the semi-final they took on Sweden and raced out to a handy lead with a few quick goals. Sweden came back after half-time and, with the addition of some timely replacements off the bench, took back the lead and kicked on to win by 2 goals. It was Sweden’s first real test and caused the alarm bells to start ringing in the Swedish camp.

The 3rd v 4th place playoff against the Netherlands was a tough encounter but the Dutch were just a bit too physical and strong in that game against a tiring German side who probably put everything they had into the Swedish semi-final.

A fourth place out of 10 nations is an excellent result given that some 75% of the team are German nationals. One suspects that if more German clubs send their best players next time, Germany could give the EU Cup a real shake. Definitely another country to keep an eye on in the future.

Many thanks to Fabian Cordts and Ashley Ball for their assistance in organising the team. Ashley, all the best with the Prague Cup in November.

Israel
Finished 2nd in Pool A and exited prior to the finals

As the last team to enter the tournament and very little known about footy in Israel, no one quite knew what to expect from the expat dominated team from the holy land.

However, we didn’t need to wait long as they showed their class in the EU Cup’s very first game with a convincing win over Austria. In the next game they notched up a gritty win against the Belgians (the only team to beat the champions) but lost a nail-biter (on handicap) against the Germans. In the final game against Catalonia it was clear they were starting to tire and just got over the line against the ever improving Catalonians – however it was enough to get them into the semi-finals, just eclipsing Germany on a few percentage points.

Then, in a noble gesture deeply appreciated by all, Israel withdrew from the tournament and handed their semi-final place to the Germans, who were unlucky not to be there in the first place. The organising committee would like to thank Israel for their excellent example and great spirit in stepping aside and allowing Germany to continue in the tournament.

If there was a "Fair play" award, both Israel and England would be joint winners. Long may their wonderful example of spirit and goodwill live at the EU Cup.

The Netherlands
Finished in 3rd place

Another of the wonderful stories of the EU Cup is the Netherlands. As far as anyone knows, there has never been an official organised match of Aussie Rules in Holland and just 3 months ago, the organising committee put very little faith in seeing a team from the lowlands. However, after much research and many emails, two locally based organisers were found – Peter Huizenga and David Atkins. Over the ensuing weeks footy-loving Dutchmen started signing up. Even more amazing was that they were able to purchase a national team kit. Congratulations to both of them for all their tireless effort in making Team Holland a reality.

My first meeting with team Holland was at the Walkabout pub on Saturday night where some "team bonding" was taking place. Their ruckman was watching his first ever game of footy on the TV screen, picking up tips on what the rules are and how to ruck. From that very first impression, one could be forgiven for thinking that Holland would finish well down in the final placings… however this was nowhere near the mark.

The Netherlands team was the Cinderella story of the EU Cup. By the conclusion of the days events they had finished in a surprising 3rd place, notching up wins over England (by forfeit), Scotland, France and Germany; and just narrowly going down to finalists Sweden and Belgium in very tough encounters. A fantastic result given that there is not one team in their national association – though with all their enthusiasm and the close distances between the major centres, I doubt it will be too long before we see a national competition in place.

Their best result of the day was a powerhouse win over a tiring Germany to finish in 3rd place. Let’s hope a real rivalry begins between the two countries as there is in other sports and that regular international matches including Belgium and France occur in the future.

"Oh we're from Ne-der-lands, the flying Dutchmen, we're from Ne-der-lands…"

Scotland
Finished in 6th place

The Puffins of Scotland brought to the EU Cup a squad with a healthy mix of Scotsmen, Irishmen and a few Aussies; reflecting their 3 team league based in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The Scots didn’t have the easiest of draws in meeting the 3 powerhouse teams in Pool B in succession. They got off to a slow start and went down heavily to the crack Swedish Elks. Things improved with a good performance against the English Dragonslayers and had they had a little bit more luck, they may have won the game. Next they met the Flying Dutchman who were full of confidence with an impressive win over the French, however, the “Cloggies” were too big and strong and another loss ensued.

It had been a tough day at the office for the men from the Highlands, however they finally notched up their first win against a rapidly improving French unit in an entertaining encounter on Field A. In their classification game, they were simply too strong for the luckless Austria and finished their tournament on a good note.

The 3 team league is steadily growing in Scotland and one hopes more local Scots take up the game and add more local flavour to the Puffins in future EU Cups.

Special thanks for their help over the last few months goes to Eddie McAvinchey and Rupert Good, who helped organise the Puffins and bring them to London. I would like to wish Scotland all the best for the Scottish Grand Final next weekend and in developing the game outside the major centres of Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Sweden
Runners-up EU Cup 2005

The Swedish Elks sent a powerful team to the EU Cup with strong ambitions to take out the very first European 9-a-side championships. A healthy mixture of Aussies, Swedes and a few other nationalities from all over Sweden, the Elks notched up impressive wins over the French, Scots and English. Things got a little bit tougher with the physical Dutchmen where they had to work hard for a 14 point win.

Now onto a do-or-die semi-final showdown against the Germans. Germany started strong kicking a few early goals and looked a little sharper around the field. With their 12 point handicap lead, the situation for the Elks didn’t look too healthy come half-time. At the break, Coach and Team Manager, Dan McClaer laid down the law and made a few tactical substitutions in the forward line which resulted in a 5 goal streak and effectively won the game. The question now was: how much energy was spent in winning this game? Did Sweden have much juice in the tank for one final battle against the Belgians in the final? And what effect would a reduced bench and a few tournament-ending injuries have?

The EU Cup final was a fairly even affair until half-time and while only 2 goals down, the Swedish team was revved up after an inspiring half-time message from their playing coach Dan McClaer. Unfortunately, a dream ending to the campaign wasn’t to be and the tiring Swedes – many who had to play all 6 games due to the small squad size and injuries – couldn’t match the energy, skill and win the one-on-one contests with the increasingly confident Belgians. A few early unanswered Belgian goals in the second half killed the contest and the rest was history; a thoroughly deserving win to the Belgium.

As a squad member for Sweden, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dan McClaer, Aleksi Pohjohlainen, Danny Johncock and the rest of my team-mates for allowing me the opportunity to play again for my new homeland at the EU Cup. Also thanks to Marcus Rappoccio who carried there and back a second emergency kit. They shall be fond memories I shall keep with me for the rest of my life.

As Tournament Director, my duties prevented me from being available for every game – which I sincerely apologise for, however I am very grateful for the brief minutes I did have and for the opportunity to kick my first ever goal for Sweden. Kom igen nu, Sverige!

Conclusion

The EU Cup of 2005 will no doubt be long remembered as the catalyst for the formation of Aussie Rules Europe (ARE); the development body of Aussie Rules in Europe.

There are so many wonderful stories of teams and team-mates meeting each other for the first time, making new contacts and friends, and seeing footy being played hard yet in the right spirit. I have no doubt that many more stories have yet to be written as players return to their home countries and continue the tireless job of growing the game. We, the organising committee, are in agreement that it was you, the players, managers and supporters, who made this EU Cup a fantastic success and the benchmark for years to come.

A special mention and thanks goes to Julian 'Rooster' Clark from Finland, Kolya Koracak from Croatia and Ashley Ball from the Czech Republic who paid their own way to attend the EU Cup as national representatives. We thank you for your contribution at the Team Manager’s meeting and for volunteering to play for a country which was short on players.

Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many field umpires, goal umpires and volunteers who helped make the day such a huge success – and a special thanks goes here to Graeme Pratt who umpired some 5 games in succession on Field B. No tournament is ever successful without the volunteers and to those who gave their time, we are truly thankful. And to Aussie Rules International, Aussie Rules UK, Active Antipodean and finally the organising committee; Brian Clarke (how many games did you umpire?), Julian Clark, Matt Glynn and Dons, I cannot find the words to express my gratitude for all your help during the last 8 months and on the day.

I trust EU Cup 2005 will set a high benchmark on how 9-a-side footy should be played in Europe in many years to come and on behalf of the 2005 Organising Committee and Aussie Rules Europe, we welcome each country back and all new countries to Paris in 2006.

Until then, my sincerest best wishes to each and every one of you in your Aussie Rules endeavours, whichever corner of Europe you may find yourself in.

Long live European footy!

Philip Porublev

Tournament Director
EU Cup 2005
14th October, 2005