The
first Cup semi-final between JK Silvertown and
Tavria was a masterclass in tight, disciplined
football, with both sides showing incredible organisation
and defensive resilience. From the first whistle,
it was clear that neither team was willing to
concede an inch. The match was evenly contested
throughout, with attacks regularly repelled by
well-positioned defenders and goalkeepers in superb
form. By half-time, it was 0-0, and the pattern
continued in the second half, with neither side
able to break through despite periods of pressure
from both teams.
JK
Silvertown's defensive solidity was a highlight,
and goalkeeper Ray Coker once again produced a
composed and confident display, keeping the clean
sheet and marking his fourth shutout from six
games in the tournament. Tavria were equally impressive
at the back, making timely interventions and demonstrating
the quality and cohesion that had carried them
through the group stage. The game was a tactical
and physical chess match, with every chance fought
for and every metre of space fiercely contested.
With
the scoreline remaining deadlocked, the match
went to penalties, where JK Silvertown edged a
5-4 victory in a tense shootout. The fine margins
reflected just how evenly matched the two teams
had been, with the outcome hanging on composure,
focus, and nerve under pressure. The players on
both sides earned immense respect for their skill,
discipline, and determination over this match
and the full tournament of competitive football.
For
Tavria, this match was far more than just a semi-final.
It marked a remarkable reunion for a squad that
had not played together for four years due to
the war with Russia, with players now spread across
Europe. Their presence in Barcelona was a testament
to resilience, friendship, and the unifying power
of football. While they exited the Cup, Tavria
leave with memories, pride, and the heartfelt
admiration of everyone involved — a very fond
farewell to a team whose visit to Barcelona was
much much more than just football.
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The
second Cup semi-final pitted Polonia Limerick,
winners of Group B and chasing a second successive
Super Veterans title, against Athletico Charhad
Vets, who had finished second in Group A. From
the start, it was a tightly contested affair,
with both sides showing quality in attack and
discipline in defence. The first half ended 1-1,
with Lech Madajek putting Polonia ahead before
Danny McGhan equalised for Charhad Vets, keeping
the tension high and the outcome uncertain.
The
second half mirrored the first, as neither team
could find a breakthrough despite creating chances.
Polonia Limerick looked dangerous on the counter,
while Athletico Charhad Vets pressed intelligently
and stayed compact at the back. The game remained
deadlocked at 1-1, setting up a penalty shootout
to decide who would advance to the final.
In
the shootout, Polonia Limerick went first and
converted their opening penalty, while Athletico
Charhad Vets missed their first attempt. Both
teams scored their second penalties, but when
Polonia netted their third, it proved decisive.
The combination of composure, calm under pressure,
and clinical finishing allowed Polonia Limerick
to edge through and keep their title defence alive.
The
result was a testament to the intensity and balance
of the match. Athletico Charhad Vets can be proud
of their performance, matching one of the strongest
sides in the tournament for th whole game. Polonia
Limerick were now unbeaten in 11 Super Veterans
games and no-one had pushed them closer than Athletico
Charhad Vets. The English team will be wondering
what might have been had they won the shootout.
Polonia Limerick had cleared another hurdle and
would move forward with confidence and belief,
ready to defend their crown in the final.
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