Team: M. Puig, M. Guarnaccia, F. Bon, S. Friederichs, B. Thieffry, A. Gary, T. Si M’Hammed, A. Lo Presti, W. Ouellette, D. Mineo, C. Deschamps

Subs: G. Manfellotto, D. Claudino, F. Alguacil, D. Yugueros

This Saturday was the last match before the winter break and RBBFC2 was in urgent need of points. The ranking was calamitous and certainly did not reflect the value of the team. After three defeats where we had played very well and the last defeat where we did not shine, the result remained the same: 0/12! not really what we were used to. It had to change and the pre-match atmosphere was at its peak. Will Ireland FC2 continue this negative trend?

While Gary was raising the sound (and temperature), his friends showed him their gratitude by igniting the changing room with great dances. It was perhaps the only time that we did not feel powerful scents of balms and other exotic cream, in a renowned hot and spicy changing room. Daniele failed to hurt Charlie by "jumping" (notorious dance style practiced in the club house and intended to stretch his hips), which he can not deny because this action was already in the cloud (this teamis composed of a crowd of movie makers whose creativity would surprise you). The cold temperatures allowed us to shorten the interminable "captain speech" to warm up a maximum. In the eyes of the players it was possible to read the determination to make a good result this time around. Especially after having seen our first team excel with a 0-4 score.

The match begins under the command of the referee I-put-a-hat-because-I-am-cold-but-you-can-you-freeze, which did not take long to irritate us (especially Marc and his Peter Cech helmet, authorized? of course! but not here…). No need to get the medical certificate, you take it off and keep quiet. The warm-up led by Andrea put us in a good condition to give the best of ourselves. One-Two-Three, Whites! and we were ready.

The first half started at a rather slow pace, while everyone was looking for his marks on a grass pitch pretty pleasant to play on (no comparison possible with Rosières...). RBBFC2 proposed a classic game strategy, a 4-4-2 to circulate the ball by the wings or possibly create the danger in vertical. Efficient and solid. Which worked well with a center midfield committed and determined to make good passes. The first danger came from the Irish who managed to force our defense in the manner of rugby players. The danger was not really lethal though. A free kick very close to the goal created some anxiety but this was badly missed. The team then improved its game by being focused on the actions and the first chance fell: Daniele released the ball to Stef on the flank, who crossed it in the middle to Missile but the header ended right next to the post. Another opportunity came after a fault on Daniele (one of the many suffered by the team) but the consecutive free-kick gave nothing. The battle in the middle was clearly won by the duo Assassin-DreamyEyes with the srtong support of the never tired Willy-Garyteuf. Our defense was solid with Ben impassable on the flank (they tried though) and the central pair of Bonbon-Gunther who protected the house againt the various assaults. Massi almost lost a few ribs after the Ireland striker (their own vervion of Paul O’Connel) brutally clashed against him on a late tackle. Up front, Daniele and Charlie took many hits but did everything to win their challenges to help the team keeping the ball. While we felt that we were having the game in hands, at least in terms of quality, what had to happen happened: a good combination Assassin-Missile-Willy to open up the game with good movements from the strikers were followed by a perfect cross of Willy to Charlie (on fire), who did not hesitate a second to convert it. 0-1! RBBFC2 was ahead and had not stolen anything. This did not top RBBFC2 from further pushing and creating space. Halftime was whistled.

RBBFC2 returned to the pitch for the second half with the same determination, without any change. At that moment the opponent was not really dangerous anymore, probably discouraged by the cleaning performed by midfielders: you know the new wipers (un essui-glace) that do not leave a drop of water on the windshield (pare-brise)... It seemed they took fun to sweep side to side. While the attacking duo continued to work, supported by very active flanks, we felt that some interesting things still had to happen. The first change was to introduce Guido of the night rise, instead of the immortal Massi. Shortly afterwards, Diego Pineapple but now Belgian came in to Garyteuf's place, who had helped his team so far (with "very good" mention for the DJ). Daniele was moved on the right flank to let our favorite Brazilian but now Belgian weigh on the opposing defense. In the meantime, we won a few corners that we didn’t convert and we took no risk at the back. After a good battle in the middle, Missile took on, down the flank, his rather slow opponent, rushed into the defense but his center was countered. It was then that Fred decided that he should also try to cross the ball. A long, well-studied ball provoked a duel between Charlie and the poor goalkeeper and, as it often happens in such cases, this action ended with a goal. 0-2! The attitude of the team was such that the domination was territorial and the attempts of the opponent were annihilated by a very good organization. Fernan then took Daniele's place to bring fresh blood (after having to get almost naked for a lycra issue while the team was with ten men on the pitch), and the match continued with RBBFC2 still in control. Diego tried a subtle pass in the middle of the defense but it did not pass: well played. Tarik-le-drare, who was booked for sharing his thoughts with the ref, even forgot to bring Dani Atletico (you've seen? Great partita with Juve!) Who was already dressed! Round of beers they said ... End of the match, good opposition playing fair, good spirit and everyone was happy.

The third half saw a rise of joy in the whole team. After receiving a kiss of Lolo and his gray hair (someone can ask him what is this shit, I do not dare), the atmosphere was in full swing and the shower was full of dirt and balls. Strong music, screaming songs, the atmosphere remained the same during the election of MoM (it would even get worse). The bartender, who was probably tired of seeing our faces, was pleased to see us finally leave. We were getting ready for the classic Christmas market in Leuven, the spirit rested by this beautiful victory.

Thank you for electing me MoM, your reporter, Mineo, that dreams to fly over himself.