Results
 

Bet365 aside (Eng)

6

v

1

RJW United (Eng)

Totoriino (Ita)

4

V

4*

FC Floriande (Ned)

* FC Floriande (Ned) won 2-1 on penalties

 

The first Cup Semi-Final brought together Bet365 aside and RJW United in what promised to be a high-quality clash. Bet365 aside had been dominant in the group phase, finishing as the number one ranked team with six wins out of six. For many, they were the champions elect, having demonstrated composure, clinical finishing, and rock-solid defending throughout the day. RJW United, however, were no pushovers. After a mixed start, they had found their rhythm with three wins from their last four matches. This was arguably their toughest test yet.

The opening stages saw Bet365 aside quickly settle into their groove. They imposed their fast tempo and sharp passing on the game, and it wasn't long before Jonathon Collo added to his growing tally with his 12th goal of the tournament. Tom Rowlands doubled the lead soon after, before Hal Senturk made it three before the break. At 3-0 up at half-time, Bet365 aside looked firmly in control and well on their way to the final.

RJW United showed some fight early in the second half. Nathan Lindo found the net to give his side a glimmer of hope and make it 3-1. But that hope was short-lived as Bet365 aside responded with relentless pressure and quality. Corey Hall restored the three-goal cushion before Tom Rowlands grabbed his second of the game. Matthew Bird then rounded off the scoring to make it 6-1 by the final whistle.

In the end, it was a commanding display from Bet365 aside who showed exactly why they've been tipped to go all the way. Their combination of firepower and structure proved too much for RJW United, who can still be proud of a strong knockout-stage qualification and their fighting spirit. This heavy semi-final defeat shouldn't overshadow the promise they've shown throughout. Bet365 aside, meanwhile, march on into the Cup Final with momentum and confidence fully intact.

 
 
 

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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