We were down to our final 4 teams in the Plate competition. The first Semi-Final would see Missing Magpies versus AFC Shooters. Missing Magpies had started well today with an 8-0 goal difference and 6 points from their first two games but were in need of re-igniting their campaign. They were up against an AFC Shooters side who remained competitive throughout and had only lost to the top two in Group B.

On a warm day in Porto, as the day progressed the games were increasingly opening up and none moreso than this game with the goals flying in. We had seven goals to savour in this tie but sadly, for AFC Shooters, in the first half most of them were at the wrong end. Henry Pescod's third goal of the tournament put Missing Magpies 1-0 up before Andrew Robertson doubled the advantage. Michael Pyper then bagged his fifth of the tournament and Missing Magpies were in a commanding position at the break, 3-0.

The second half was more even with the teams sharing the goals around. AFC Shooters were on the scoresheet to make a game of it with two further loan signings Fabrizio and Fernando both on target. The damage for them though was down in the opening half. Tom Bird scored his second of the day and Henry Pescod's fourth of the competition ensured they would be heading to the Plate Final.

It was ultimately a game too far for AFC Shooters. It was great to see them on tour again and we look forward to catching up again in Barcelona later this year.

The second Plate Semi-Final would see FC Tpaktop B versus FC Dad. FC Tpaktop B had come so close to Plate success in Prague 2024 with both their teams reaching this stage. Mitre Vets accounted for their B team in the Semi-Finals and their A team in the finals. They would be aiming to go all the way here in Porto.

FC Dad were in the knockout stage for the 2 nd time in our Veterans tournaments. Last time out they went all the way to the Cup Final and only missed out on the title in a penalty shootout. In the Open Age category of our events they've got form at Plate level. Across their various sides (FC Dad, FC Maroon and FC Shark) they've won no less than 5 Plate titles in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Gdansk, Mallorca and Warsaw.

The quest to add to that tally did not begin well with FC Tpaktop B opening the scoring. Mo Kamara was on the scoresheet for the first time today and what a time to get it. Sergei Samoliuk extended that lead to 2-0 and, at half-time, FC Tpaktop B had one foot in the Plate Final. FC Dad would not give up though and they got back into it. Stuart Leslie's scored the equalizer to take FC Mahou to pens in the Lisbon Cup Final and his fourth of the day made it 2-1. Could they get at least one more to keep their participation in the tournament alive? It was not to be and their chances were extinguished when Sergei Samoliuk's third goal in two games sealed their place in the final.