We were at the 2023 Amsterdam Fives Cup Semi-Final stage and from the 12 teams who started the day we were down to the final 4. Any 4 of the teams looked capable of victory. We had previous eurofootballfives winners – Humble Goats (2022 & 2023 Amsterdam Sevens) plus 3 other strong teams representing England (FLA), the Netherlands (Summerhouse) and Wales (The Shepherd's Arms).

Up first was Humble Goats versus The Shepherd's Arms. Humble Goats have quite the record in our events. They had played 12 games in our tournaments this year and were unbeaten, was this to be unlucky #13 or would they go onto reach a fourth eurofootballfives.com final in four attempts? It was a staggering record the Humble Goats possessed.

The Shepherd's Arms would fear no-one though. They met Group B leaders Summerhouse in their last game. Summerhouse had possessed a 100% record but that meant nothing as the Welsh secured a stunning 3-2 win. The Shepherd's Arms were unbeaten with 3 wins and 2 draws so far today.

More often than not, these Cup knockout games are decided by the odd goal or on penalties so the first goal is often crucial. It allows the team who score it the luxury of defending the lead and trying to hit their opponents on the counter-attack. That vital first goal in this game came from Tomos Reed – his 8 th of the tournament. The Shepherd's Arms kept that lead until half-time. The second half was a backs to the wall rearguard action. Humble Goats threw everything at their opponents as they pulled the trigger on shot after shot at The Shepherd's Arms goal. The Welsh team threw their bodies on the line and blocked shot after shot.

When the referee blew the whistle to conclude the game, The Shepherd's Arms had withstood a barrage and emerged victorious. They were in the Cup Final! A massive achievement.

We had to say goodbye to Humble Goats. They've come so close in 2022 and 2023 to adding a Sixes title to their Sevens crown but it was not to be. Next year!