The
second Cup Semi-Final brought together two of
the tournament's most impressive sides: Italy's
Totoriino and the Netherlands' FC Floriande.
Totoriino came into the match unbeaten, with
four wins and a draw, and they boasted the best
defensive record of the entire competition—just
three goals conceded all day. FC Floriande,
meanwhile, had grown into the tournament, ending
the group stage strongly with three wins, two
draws and just one defeat. This set up a high-quality
showdown between two well-balanced teams with
firepower and discipline.
It
was FC Floriande who started the brighter of
the two. Younes El Hassani continued his sparkling
form with two quick goals to put his team 2-0
ahead and stun the Italians. Totoriino, however,
showed their resilience and quality, fighting
back through tournament captain Matteo Picco—netting
his eighth of the campaign—and Andrea Antinolfi,
who levelled the tie at 2-2. The contest was
swinging wildly, with momentum shifting from
end to end.
Younes
El Hassani wasn't finished yet. He restored
FC Floriande's advantage with his third of the
game and then added a fourth to make it 4-2,
taking his personal tally to 13 goals and firmly
putting himself in pole position for the golden
boot. But Totoriino again found a way back.
Matthias Dethmers scored his sixth of the day
to pull one back before Edoardo Pedrazzoli delivered
a dramatic equaliser to make it 4-4 at full
time. A thriller needed penalties to separate
them.
In
the shootout, FC Floriande held their nerve.
Younes El Hassani and Ahmed Filali both converted,
while Totoriino could only manage one successful
spot-kick through Andrea Antinolfi. It was heartbreak
for the Italians, whose tournament ended in
dramatic fashion. Totoriino exit the competition
unbeaten in open play, having played some of
the competition's most attractive football,
defending superbly and battling with immense
character throughout. They leave with plenty
to be proud of, having made a deep impression
on the tournament.
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