Krakow Lions came into their third fixture with 3 points from their opening two games – a win against Los Malakas Hermanos and a narrow loss to Half XI. Bear Ballerz had made the stronger start overall with 4 points from 6 and were unbeaten after two games. Both sides were firmly in the qualification mix, so this clash felt like a pivotal fixture in the middle of the group stage.

The game itself was a closely contested affair with little to separate the teams. Chances came at both ends but it was Marouane Zaiz who made the telling contribution, continuing his fine scoring streak. His first-half strike proved decisive and was enough to settle the game in Krakow Lions' favour. Despite pressure from Bear Ballerz in the closing stages, the French side could not find an equaliser.

The victory lifted Krakow Lions to 6 points and firmly back into Cup qualification contention. Bear Ballerz, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat of the day and remained on 4 points – still in the hunt, but with little margin for error left. With Half XI setting the early pace at the top, the battle for the second Cup slot was wide open.

Los Malakas Hermanos had shown flashes of promise in their opening two games with a goal in each but only one point to show for it. They began this fixture just off the foot of the table and badly needing a win to revive their hopes of making the Cup to win this title. Alea Iacta Est had endured a difficult return to the Krakow Trophy – two defeats without a goal scored left them propping up the group. Both teams were desperate to get their campaigns up and running.

It was Los Malakas Hermanos who seized the initiative and produced their best football of the day. Guillermo Buonomo was in inspired form as he struck twice in the opening half to send his team into the break with a 2-0 advantage. He completed his hat-trick in style with a free-kick after the restart to give the Polish debutants real breathing space at 3-0. A late goal from Michal Dlugopolski gave Alea Iacta Est a consolation, but the result was never in doubt at that point.

The 3-1 victory moved Los Malakas Hermanos up to 4 points and back into the conversation for Cup qualification territory, proving they were capable of delivering results to match their promise. For Alea Iacta Est, it was a third straight defeat that left them bottom and needing something special in their last two fixtures to avoid elimination.

Half XI came into their third game sitting proudly on top of Group A with two wins from two. They had already shown they could win close games, beating Krakow Lions 3-2 and Alea Iacta Est 1-0. Bear Ballerz were just behind them with four points from six and looking to leapfrog the Welshmen in the French team's final group fixture. With both sides eyeing Cup qualification, this was set up to be a key clash that Bear Ballerz could not afford to lose.

The game lived up to expectations and was tightly fought. Bear Ballerz took the lead through their main man Thomas Ricaux, who continued his fine scoring form to put his team ahead. Half XI responded strongly though, and Osian Jones struck to level the contest before the half-time whistle. In the second half it was once again the Welsh debutants who showed their resilience – Cameron Joseph struck what proved to be the winner to seal a 2-1 triumph.

The win maintained Half XI's perfect record and meant they had one foot in the Cup Semi-Finals with maximum points from their three games. Bear Ballerz, meanwhile, signed off their group campaign knowing that they were now destined to play in the Plate competition – a competition they won in Porto last year!

Krakow Lions returned to action knowing they needed to respond after defeat to Half XI. With six points from three games, they could seal Cup qualification with a win here. Alea Iacta Est, on the other hand, were searching for their first points of the day. The teams immediately above them were on 4 points so they knew this would be their last game of the day – could they go out on a high?

The Lions came out flying and effectively settled the contest before half-time. Martin Nijboer struck twice in quick succession to put his team in control before Marouane Zaiz added a third to make it 3-0 at the break. In the second half, both men added again to complete a hat-trick and brace respectively. The goals moved them joint-top of the scoring charts with five goals apiece. It was a dominant 5-0 performance and one that secured Krakow Lions' place in the Cup.

Alea Iacta Est's defeat meant their elimination was confirmed, and we thank them warmly for making the trip from Warsaw and for contributing to the fifteenth edition of the Krakow Trophy.

Half XI went into their final group game with confidence as everything had gone well today as they sat on top of the table. They had a perfect record of three wins from three so far, and only needed a point to confirm themselves as Group A winners. Their opponents, Los Malakas Hermanos, were already assured of a place in the Plate but knew that avoiding defeat here would be enough to secure third place and potentially a more favourable Semi-Final draw (relative to fourth).

The game itself proved to be a cagey affair, with both teams organised and disciplined at the back. Chances were at a premium, and neither side could find the decisive moment to break the deadlock. Neither team needed to bust a gut to win this with more important games to come in the knockout phase. In this context, perhaps it was no surprise we ended in a rare goalless stalemate.

For Half XI, the draw was enough to top Group A and maintain their unbeaten record, an impressive feat for the Welsh debutants. Los Malakas Hermanos achieved their goal too, earning the point they needed to finish third and ensure momentum carried into the Plate competition. Both teams could leave the pitch satisfied with their efforts and ready for the knock-out phase.