TWELVE teams competed for the EU Cup at the Slavia Sports Centre in Prague. This nine-a-side competition, now in its third year, is played in shortened matches of two 12-minute halves.

Footy enthusiasts from all over Europe gathered to participate – from Finland to Catalonia and from Scotland to Croatia. The tournament was watched not only by a live crowd of around 500 people but by an online audience of 21,000 – a first for the sport in Europe and a clear signal of the interest it generates.

The 12 competing nations varied widely in makeup – not just in nationality, but also in their sports backgrounds, which included rugby, soccer and ice hockey). Player experience also varied,l from those with years of experience to first gamers, like 206cm tall Dutchman Frank Smit.

The number and calibre of Australian expatriates in any team is known to have a large influence on games. As a counterweight, teams were rewarded with points on the board per non-Australian native fielded: three points for a local national, two for senior Australians (born before 1970) or non-Australian non-locals from a third country.

It was an afternoon of warm sun and even warmer finals, and the Swedes certainly got heated in their encounter with England in the first semi-final. The contrast between the morning’s and afternoon’s opposition came as a rude shock to the Elks, who were outclassed, clearly rattled and upset with the umpiring. Visiting retiree Victorian country umpire Ron Rickett suggested that the Swedes may have deserved some of what they got for playing the man rather than the ball. The final score was 18.8 (118) to 7.7 (49).

France’s co-manager and the founder of footy in France, Marc Jund, said he felt the team’s standard was “very low”, but he hoped to go one place better than last year. They tussled tightly with the Finland Icebreakers for the fifth place plate. Ferocious French tackling from the likes of rugby-trained Alexis Schimpf and Joevin L'Hotellier, combined with the drive provided by skilful midfielder Jerome Krieger challenged the Finns.

Unfortunately the French game stagnated on the forward line. The Finns, with experience up forward in the form of international footy stalwart Julian “Rooster” Clark, had no such problem and took the match 7.12 (54) to 8.4 (52), with the French score aided by their penalty advantage. The French were nonetheless quietly pleased to have done as well as they hoped.

The Czech Lions were televised in the 11th versus 12th place playoff, and rose to the occasion to fend off the weary Austrians 11.5 (71) to 5.2 (32).

A Scottish team depleted by injury forfeited seventh place to the Catalans, while the

Dutch squeaked past the EU crusaders, composed of spares and Poles getting their first taste of footy, for ninth place, 11.2 (68) to 9.8 (62).

The second semi-final was the clearly the match of the day. The all-German and all-Croat line-ups fought hard and passionately. The Germans led at half time, but the Croats always looked dangerous and took control in the second half. Strong body work from the founder of Croatian footy Kolja Koracak, Kreso Franic and Renato Babic and a near impervious half-back line started to take their toll.

Sensing defeat, the Eagles began to make mistakes, going down fighting 10.10 (70) to 12.2 (74). The Germans made no mistake against the demoralised Swedish Elks in the playoff for third place, however. A running goal from Tim Horenburg sealed it for the Germans, who ran out winners 15.8 (98) to 8.7 (55).

The Cup Final between England and Croatia was ushered in by national anthems. During the singing, fog began to descend which made the surface slippery and uncertain. Lights were on and the crowd was boisterous, attempting mini Mexican waves.

The Croatian Knights were on such a high from their surprise win over the Eagles that Koracak was worried about whether they could focus on the final match. Indeed, England assumed command from the word go with a long-bomb goal.

The stream of English play from centre to goal was effortlessly fluid and the demolition of Croatia for the most part smooth. Against earlier opponents the Croats had been able to leverage sharper skills, superior fitness and greater enthusiasm. Now they were up against another level of opposition: the English proved just as fit, were taller, and combined skill and experience with a will to win that was just as strong and more coldly focused.

There were strong performances all over the field, notably from Mathew Bradford, team playing coach Rob Fielder and the tall Lee Tarn, with a few bright spots for Croatia, notably a goal from captain-coach and tactics guru Josep Kravar.

Final scores told the story, England winning 16.11 (107) to 9.5 (59).

Final Ladder:

Team Europe:

Tournament MVP:

Tournament top goalscorer: