We were at the 2025 Krakow Trophy Cup Semi-Final stage and from the 10 teams who started the day we were down to the final 4. Any 4 of the teams looked capable of victory. We had a strong home presence with 3 teams representing Poland and Half XI flying the flag for Wales.

The first Cup Semi-Final saw Welsh debutants Half XI face experienced Polish campaigners Big Time Krakow. Half XI had looked strong throughout the group phase, remaining unbeaten with three wins and a draw, while Big Time, carrying the weight of pedigree, having twice lifted trophies in our events – the 2017 Krakow Trophy and the 2018 Gdansk Tournament – had 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss. It was a clash of rising newcomers against seasoned champions.

Half XI started brightly and quickly set the tone for the contest. Jack Parry continued his fine form by opening the scoring to put the Welshmen in front. Big Time, though, showed why they are such a respected side, hitting back through Stani Ribarov to level matters at 1-1. The first half remained competitive, but it was Half XI who struck again, Osian Jones restoring their lead just before the break to make it 2-1 at half-time.

In the second half, Big Time pushed forward in search of another equaliser, but Half XI's defensive organisation stood firm. The Welsh side were content to soak up pressure and then counter, and it was from such a moment that Jack Parry found his second goal of the game. His strike gave Half XI a vital two-goal cushion at 3-1 and left Big Time chasing the game.

That goal effectively sealed the contest, and despite Big Time's efforts, they were unable to find a way back into the match. At the final whistle, Half XI had secured a deserved 3-1 victory. The result booked their place in the Cup Final on their very first appearance in our tournaments – a remarkable achievement and one that confirmed them as serious contenders for the ultimate prize.

The second Cup Semi-Final brought together two of the standout teams of the group phase as DZ Fennecs, the only side to boast a 100% record, met Krakow Lions, the top scorers in the tournament. DZ Fennecs had been built on defensive solidity, conceding just once in four games, while also carrying plenty of threat going forward. Krakow Lions, by contrast, had been more expansive, their 11 goals making them the most potent attack in the competition. With the Lions part of the famed Big Time Krakow stable and chasing a third overall title, this was set up as a clash of styles and pedigrees.

The opening half unfolded as a tense, tactical battle with neither team willing to give an inch. DZ Fennecs were as solid as their record suggested, closing down space and preventing Krakow Lions from building their usual rhythm in the final third. For their part, the Lions looked dangerous when breaking forward but were unable to find the cutting edge they had shown in earlier rounds. At half-time, it was goalless, and the contest remained perfectly poised.

The second half saw both sides raise the intensity, knowing that one goal could be decisive. As the game wore on, it seemed destined to be decided by a single moment of quality – and so it proved. Rafik Benchaabane broke the deadlock with a composed finish to give DZ Fennecs the breakthrough they craved. With the best defence in the tournament behind them, they were well-equipped to protect their lead, and they did just that.

When the final whistle blew, DZ Fennecs had secured a narrow but deserved 1-0 victory. Their unbeaten run continued, and their defensive record remained formidable. For Krakow Lions, it was the end of the road in 2025 as they narrowly missed out on another final. For DZ Fennecs, the win meant a place in the showpiece match, where they would take on Half XI in what promised to be a fascinating clash between two sides unbeaten so far.