TEAM: GK : Kris Marcelis Defense : Jonny Mojena/ Jean Minne/ Dex Bernardo Midfield : Dries Heerkens/ Ed Ricketts/ Richard McGeehan/ Steve Lamarra/ Robby Brown Attack : Michele Vadora / Tommy Kellerman Subs : Andrew Hodgson

It was on a beautiful yet cold Saturday that the British gathered in Rosiere for another best day of the week. Portugal were opposing, traditionally not the easiest team to play against. Would the desire to shake off the disappointing last minute draw with Ambiance prevail?

After a quick update on the status of Jonny’s trim, and the sad news that Captain McGrath had to forfeit due to a weird domestic calf injury, John McGrath took his time to go through the game plan. It was an inspirational and thorough analysis of each player’s roles and personal motivations, and it would have been remembered as the “Any given Sunday” speech of RBBFC if only the last singing part of it had been missing…”It’s not about you... it’s not about youuuuu” ...too late! banter and jokes were back in the changing room spoiling all the good work.

RBBFC kicked off with quick passes and great team moves, and they didn’t have to wait long to create the first chance. Richard's free kick from out of the box found Michele’s head, but the ball went few inches above the crossbar. In the middle of the park an increasingly heavy and baldy midfield ensured that all the second balls were white, and on the flanks Robby and Dries were fast biting and taking up the respective defenders. After around ten minutes Robby got the ball on the left, controlled it with class, stepped-over, spinned 360, spinned 720, after the second spin, and the 14th step-over without touching the ball, the defender lost count and Rob could release Tommy, the RBBFC Messi (according to the ref) on the left wing. The low cross from Tommy found Michele just out of the box. Relieved by the absence of Sergio and Joao Pedro, he lobbed Ricardo, and beat Bruno the keeper with a soft touch. 1-0. The opening goal did not dissuade RBBFC to continue hammering the nail. After dribbling a couple of defenders, with a renewed pace, Steve shot from just out of the box with the left foot. Only a great save from Bruno the keeper, and his rapid reaction on the rebound strike from Richard prevented the second goal. After the first 15 minutes supporters had the impression that it could have been another good day for a Spanish “manita”, but something went wrong along the way. Portugal started playing long balls to the wings, putting an increasing pressure on the always strong RBBFC defenders. Jean headed and sweeped with composure, and while Dex on the left was dealing with Bruno the forward, Jonny was particularly busy chasing everyone who came down the right side. At the fourth challenge the Portuguese forward moved the ball quickly, forcing Jonny to go for his legs. Penalty. While waiting on the striker to prepare, Kris's jumping on the line looked confident and his beautiful curly hair intimidating. No surprise that when the Hazard-style penalty was shot Kris was already on it with strong hands. Still 1-0, at half time but a first alarming signals that Portugal were lurking to get back in the game.

The second half started well for the Brits, with the clear strategy of sending the ball more to Dries and Robby and let the fantasy happen. After few minutes a Hollywood ball from the back found Tommy avoiding the offside trap and coming face to face with the keeper. Another fantastic double save from Bruno the keeper (man of the match for the Portuguese) prevented again the 2-0. At this point, with Portugal responding back to back to the British attacks the match became open and exciting. In one fast move from the defence Robby controlled the ball on the left midfield. After the usual amount of step-overs and pirouettes he switched the game on the right to reach Dries's unstoppable run. The cross from the Dutchman was however well intercepted by the Portuguese defence, who started a quick counter attack, with the Brits caught out of balance. Bruno the forward got the ball with personality, dribbled one and with a powerful left shot from just out of the box found the 1-1. At this point RBBFC tried to reshape the game, going to a 4-4-2 and bringing Hodgy on the pitch for Michele. With 20 minutes to go and Portugal smelling the possibility of stopping the unbelievable run of the Champions, the atmosphere got heavier in Rosiere. The frustration peaked when Portugal hit the bar on a well stroke free kick, and the Portuguese bench started a philosophical conversation around the essence of luck in the modern times (...I leave the reader imagine the exact words used...). It looked as 1-1 was not a bad result after all, when, towards the 70th minute, interrupting a Portuguese monologue of free kicks and corners, a great move from RBBFC found Hodgy first and Robby later coming close to giving the 3 points to the Brits.

The afternoon ended with Jean playing sad songs in the changing room, and the peaceful feeling that some days off can always happen in a very long journey. Beers, rugby and cheeseburgers added on to complete the happy picture and encouraged everyone to look at the bright side: still top of the league, still 10 points ahead, still unbeaten...bring it on Jefke!!

MOM & Reporter:

Michele Vadora (and he promises he won't eat those cheeseburgers anymore!)