Brussels British 2–1 FC Irelande

Local derby. Tough opponent. Another top team. Another game where the Greens made them work for it.

This Saturday, FC Irelande travelled to face Brussels British, currently among the top teams in the league. We managed to put together a strong team defensively, with good options in midfield, although we were missing some firepower and speed up front.

Nevertheless, we had a very competitive team and went into the game with a clear plan: stay compact, defend in a low block and be aggressive in midfield, making it difficult for the Brits to play through us.

It took them some time to understand how to play around our organisation. We were disciplined, compact and made them work for every metre. Unfortunately, their persistence and patience eventually paid off, and they managed to score twice in the first half.

2–0 at half-time.

The Greens came out for the second half knowing we needed to take more risks. We pushed higher when attacking, tried to win the ball further up the pitch and committed more players forward.

That naturally opened up the game, but it also gave us opportunities.

At one point, after a good move down our left, the Brits recovered the ball but couldn’t play their way out because of our pressure. The ball eventually found Gonçalo inside the box and just as he was preparing to shoot, a British defender committed a foul.

Penalty.

David Garcia stepped up and executed it perfectly.

2–1.

We leave with a 2–1 defeat, but once again with plenty of positives.

It was a very difficult and physical game, but we showed once again that against another top team, you don’t beat the Greens without running, fighting and sweating for every ball.

That’s the spirit we need to keep.

And a special congratulations to our Man of the Match, Karl, who put in a great performance.

Greens. Keep fighting! 💚⚽️

Sunny day in Kraainem and Alan warming up topless one hour before kick off greeted Vets 2 arriving at the pitch. Another week with a big squad available gave the captains another selection headache but thanks for the understanding of those not selected, and Pascal offering to ref, and Damo crying off to hospital for emergency surgery (get well soon mate!) we went out with a strong team.

First half went pretty well, FCI in control for the most part only to go one down after an awkward bounce on the terrible dirt pitch. But we got one back before the half with a good strike from Luuk on the edge of the box.

Second half didn’t quite go our way.. I’ll keep it brief and just let the final score speak for itself, 6-1.

But we kept our heads up and won the third half by a mile. Kitty’s awaits for Sharon’s gig tonight!

The Turds came out to “Fortress” Rosiere on a lovely sunny October afternoon to face the Brits who were in the relegation zone. On a pitch drier than Nico’s brownies the boys kicked off and looked dominant in the opening stages. With an xG of 5.00 but no goals the Turds reached 25 mins when the game died down a bit and it looked like we were playing like already 3-0 up. The Brits themselves also didn’t bother and the neutral supporters could take a nap.

With everyone asleep and two seconds left in the half the Turds got up the pitch with some nice combinations. The ball fell to the middle of the goal when Andrea smashed the bar (he blamed a soar throat), then debut boy Matthis didn’t like the sight of Giulio’s face so decided to ram the ball straight into his face, after which Giulio kindly delivered the pre assist and passed to Matthis who smashed it home from 2 meters out. Most scrappy goal I ever saw, 1-0 to the Boys.

Second half came and the Brits still couldn’t do anything. The Turds remained dominant. Nico came up the right side and squared it to Giulio who tapped it in, 2-0. Captain Edu subbed himself off and gave the armband to Guus who was very happy and for once didn’t shout at the ref. Responsibility brings good behaviour apparently.

An unfortunate Brits player pulled his hamstring, but the Brits had no subs left, after which the ref suggested a subbed off player could come back on, but Captain Guus said he had never seen this in all of his ABSSA career and today would not be a good moment to try new things after which the ref concurred: “You’re probably right”. Playing against 10 men, a little while later Giulio did Andrea a favour and gave him an excellent opportunity, 3-0, FT.

A dominant display, could have scored a lot more, but we remain undefeated. Shout out to Lorenzo for helping again and for some big debuts from Douwe, Tiemen and Mathis. Three points in honour of Marcelle! 👶🏼

Up the Turds! 💚
MOTM: Tiemen + Mike V

A hard-fought 2-0 win for the bhoys in green at home against the always difficult Higgins.

Seeing a lot of the ball early, Aliaks opened the scoring after some good play down the left from Vince, followed a string of missed chances. Higgins, as expected, grew into the game, putting us under severe pressure. With his first touch Giulio slotted home to put the game out of reach, having been played through by evergreen Alva.

MOTM: Vince