FC Irlande Men 3

The 3rds took on 3rd place Auderghem as we looked to continue a good run after going 4 games unbeaten. It started off jolly and jokey with the opposition until the whistle blew and things got serious. Wilf squinted like Clint Eastwood, Massimo cursed in Italian and Max literally barked like an angry Alaskan Malamute at the opposition centre forward. The mind games seemed to work as Auderghem barely had a chance during the match. In honour of Trump’s win, the back 4 let nothing past the border of the first third of the pitch and Antoine swept up any loose ends like a diligent border control officer. The team played some of our best football all season with patient build up play which ran Auderghem ragged by the end despite them having 35 substitutions. Despite the possession and good build up, Auderghem defended well and limited us to a few chances. After taking a 30 yard pass from Timo down on his chest like a young Fellaini inside the box, Oisín was denied a goal with an incredible save by the keeper. Wilf had to come off early after dislocating his shoulder and Saul had to spend the next 20 minutes telling him that Lethal Weapon probably wasn’t realistic and he couldn’t just pop it back in and continue playing.

“You can be the Murtaugh to my Riggs!” Wilf shouted.
“I’m too old for this shit,” replied Saul.

Max and Rob marauded up for every corner and free kick and caused chaos among the Auderghem defence. Despite the chaos, the ball refused to go where it belonged and the match ended 0-0. A great performance against a good team. With a bit more luck we would’ve come away with 3 points.

“You looked very cool on that pitch, circulating the football with calm, ease and confidence,“ claimed former third Rodrigo, clearly looking for a free beer.

If any of the other vets have compliments, keep them to yourselves because we’re the best team in the league and we already know it. We’re going straight to the top.

MOTM: Con (great jawline)

Alright boys, let’s dive into it straight on and not waste time – unlike Colm, minute 63, who was so bored he forgot to play a goalkick for what felt like 5 long minutes 😜

It was a funny game. Please excuse me if I misplace you guys in my summary – I know goals were scored, 3 points were taken, so all in all, don’t take offense if you scored and I’m not giving the right teammate the credit they deserve.

First of, they were 9, we were more. As unexpected as it may seem, they scored early in the game (benefiting from a defense misunderstanding). Ireland 0 – German musician 1.

Great reaction from the team, and after countless offside positions (the ref’s favorite to whistle) we managed to equalise after a messy corner kick situation – I think Timo scored. 1 – 1!

Little flash forward, it’s 7 – 1 and we move the ball calmly from one to another. Suddenly, a penalty is given out of charity (handball in the box) – according to the ref, Wilf said it was okay to give penalty (wait, what?! 😂). A ref perfectly in line with today’s football game: funny, playing with his whistle like a lonely harmonica player, probably to impress the great German composer.
Colm is dancing on his line but his mesmerising powers only seem to affect everyone else but the bad guy that shoots and scores. 7 – 2.

And after 14 other cards distributed in 7 minutes, the ref stops what will be an everlasting odd memory in everybody’s mind but Shane, who’s managed to score 3 out of this mayhem ⚽️⚽️⚽️

About the people wondering what happened during the ellipse, Shane scored 3, Oisin 1, Con scored a beautiful low ball from outside the box followed by a vengeful fist movement (probably with a « yes! » caption), and Wilf took a penalty you definitely want to show to every football school to younglings, to top a beautiful team display. To celebrate, he bent a little and not one but two rageful clenched fists were seen by all cameras around the pitch. Legend has it some heard him proudly announce « My second goal in 2 years! » but it might be false media information.

Great game chaps! 👏

Match report FC Irlande – Brussels LTC III

The free-flowing football continued in the second half, bringing chances for both sides. The quick transitions and the verticality of play from FC Irlande played off, as Timo’s pass found Shane in acres of space. Our poacher run past the defender and was one-on-one with the goalie, who kept his low shot out. However, Georges was quick to react and slotted the ball in the empty net. The nervousness of keeping the lead in the end was quickly overcome by the extension of lead by Shane. Similarly to the second goal, our number 11 ran around his man down the left and put a strong shot in the front post. Again, excellent spirit in the midfield to win the second ball and quickly pass it to the final third. FC Irlande showed great determination to get the three points, coming from 0-1 down.

On an overcast day at our home pitch, we secured our first official win of the season with a composed 2-0 victory. The team showcased both defensive solidity and attacking flair, leaving the fans in high spirits as we grabbed all three points.

The breakthrough came in the first half, thanks to a beautifully worked goal. Piet, finding space on the edge of the box, delivered a pinpoint cross into the area. Max, rising above the defenders, met it perfectly with a powerful header that left the keeper with no chance.

Throughout the match, we showed tremendous composure under pressure, expertly shifting the play from side to side, refusing to panic even when the opposition pressed us hard. Our ability to control possession and dictate the tempo was key, especially when the other team tried to disrupt our rhythm.

In the second half, we doubled our lead with another brilliantly crafted goal. Shane made a superb run into the box, outpacing his marker and firing a low-driven cross across the face of the goal. Tiemo was perfectly positioned to finish it off, calmly slotting it past the goalkeeper to put us firmly in control.

Around the 60th minute, we did back off a little, giving the opposition some space to play, but our determination never wavered. We stayed organised, defended as a unit, and ensured we didn’t concede any dangerous chances. The passion and energy remained high throughout, as we refused to let our guard down.

As the final whistle blew, the turds finally managed to get their first ‘real’ victory of the season. The victory was a true team effort, and it made the post-match beers taste even sweeter. With our first win of the season in the books, we look forward to building on this momentum in the matches to come.

Cristian, who kept a clean sheet and made some crucial saves, was deservedly named man of the match. We wish you all the best in Buenos Aires and hope you come visit us soon!

Disclaimer: this match was a bit nuts, so the order of things may not be entirely correct.

Today started, in true ABSSA fashion with a trek half way across the earth, to the sleepy town of Genappe, famous for briefly being trampled by Napoleon’s army, and for being home to abandoned sugar factories. With light rain falling, the Astro turf pitch expansive in front of us, something was in the air. This was the day to turn our fortunes around. After a rousing speech from Wilf, we which included the words “don’t lose”, we were on the pitch, ready to bleed for each other, die and maybe even score a few goals.

A measured start saw a close tussle with the other team, nothing much dividing the two. We were patient out of the back, finding the wings with ease, but the other team also looked in control. Mid way through the first half Rob managed to get his face on the end of a keeper parry, expertly directing the ball into the net, without knowing much about it. Key battles were being fought all over the pitch, Wilf in particular rumoured to have fouled his man a total of 15 times. The highlight of the first half was an incredible stop from Antoine, making it all the way back to the middle of the goal and getting his body in front of a powerful shot that he had absolutely no right to stop. Kept our lead.

We went into the break in high spirits but aware that we needed to put the game to bed. Starting the second half in style, Rob on the edge of the box showed great composure to slot a ball to Jimmy who took a touch and slotted home a pass into the bottom of the corner. Probably the greatest goal to have ever been scored.

Lads I’m gonna be honest, the PTSD is rushing back as I try to remember what happened next. Shit hit the fan, winter was warm, summer was cold, the grass was blue. We conceded 4 unanswered goals, some sloppy marking, some absolute belting knuckleballs that Antoine should absolutely be stopping, some tough set pieces causing confusion in the box, and a lucky break and chip. To say the mood was low was an understatement. Heads were between our legs.

Then began a session of proper Sunday league shenanigans which including jimmy stroking the leg of his opponent which led to a near hospitalisation. Next was Scott getting absolutely body checked by his man, forcing him off the field, luckily the bench was not far. Then Ushi, coming back from a month hibernation, got a ball to the face, after trying to take it on his chest, which chipped his tooth. Luckily he found the loose chip and had some milk on hand. A lesson for all of us.

Then something changed, the fire in our belly’s lit up, chasing two goals we gave one mission in our mind. Timo sent a beautiful chip into the top corner baffling the keeper. Jimmy did his best to claim the goal but didn’t quite get there, lucky to not be offside. At the restart a couple passes left and right and suddenly Shane, finding himself in a great position one on one, beat his man and slotted home the equaliser. Limbs.

With a final push Antoine sent punt after punt into the enemies third with Irish bodies clamouring to go ahead. With the moment with us we smelled victory. We won a corner and started setting up for the glorious 5th goal, probably to be a flying bicycle from Thor. But alas that dreaded sound, the three whistle blows, and the game was over. The most ABSSA ending you could think of.

Apart from a 15 period of football that would make 11 drunk badgers scurrying around a golf ball look like 2011 Barcelona, we can be proud of our efforts. Beautiful saves from Antoine, gusty challenges from Scott, a goal and an assist from CB Rob, bold distribution from Thor, calm and collected passing from con, intense pressure from Wilf, Tim dictating the pace switching the play, jimmy running around, Shane endlessly chasing, Piet with roaring headers, Ushi not letting the defenders rest, Ben coming on to assert some calm and patience and Lukas making incisive runs down the line. It’s not a win, but it’s a point. We should’ve won but we showed great heart to get back in it. Slow and steady like the tortoise.

4-4. Unlike Napoleon, we did not surrender in Genappe.

Match report.
After a rough couple of matches, the 3rds were once again ready for a home game. Spirits were high, and after a Gladiator-like pep talk from captain Wilf before the match, the guys were ready to bleed, no DIE for the green jersey.

It started out perfectly, with a good chance on the left side within the first minutes of the match. The 3rds continued to press and make good plays through the middle and on the wings, resulting in several chances during the first half. Because of good communication, good pressing and good plays for our side, the opposition had few chances in the first half. Their midfield was pretty much immobilized, and our wings posed a threat every time we attacked. Probably the best first half in a long time.

This would change in the second half however. The 3rds entered the pitch with a clear game plan: “MORE of the good stuff”. With a clear goal of continuing the tendencies from the first half, the 3rds was ready to get a win.. but something felt different.. as the seconds half progressed, the evil ones were able to establish some play, and started playing the ball through the midfield, as well as targeting the space between the goalkeeper and our defense. This would unfortunately become a tendency. In one instance, their play ended in a free kick on our left side.. and as this season has showed us, free kicks can be dangerous.. and unfortunately this was no exception. A long ball going through the box ended up hitting the (abnormally large) head of a Charles Quint player near the back post, resulting in a 1-0 lead to the evil ones. Unfortunate.. but the 3rds were ready for battle.

Unfortunately, the 3rds didn’t manage to rise to the level they showed in the first half. A take away is that the evil ones didn’t have many chances in the second.. but neither did the 3rds.

All in all a good game, where the commmnication, the pressing (more in the first half…) and the spirit is there.. more of this, and there will be wins this season. A well deserved MOTM to Scott who showed class and kept his cool on the right back both defensively and offensively.

There are so many good take aways from this game. Let’s keep it up and keep fighting 😁😁.

FC Irlande faced off against Maccabi BXL in what turned out to be a tough day on the pitch, with the final scoreline reading 7-2 in favor of Maccabi.

The game started well for FC Irlande, who put together some nice passes and looked to be a threat. However, Maccabi BXL opened the scoring first with a quick break against the momentum of play.

FC Irlande, however, responded quickly and looked to be back in it not long after. A well-delivered cross found Timo, whose header was saved by the keeper, but Shane was in the right place to tap in the rebound and make it 1-1.

Despite the equalizer, Maccabi managed to exploit Irlande’s defense with several over the top balls. Their wingers found space out wide, driving down the flanks into 1-on-1s with the keeper. Maccabi managed to capitalize multiple times, scoring as a result of some unfortunate defensive errors.

The second half was comparatively more positive for FC Irlande, finding more rhythm in their play. Though Maccabi had run away with the game, Irlande did manage to pull one back in the second half. A corner whipped into the box was met by Robert at the back post, who put a header past the keeper.

Nevertheless, it was a difficult game for FC Irlande. The team will need to regroup and address the issues that led to this defeat. Final score 7-2, man of the match Constantine

A sunny day in Nossegem, the pitch looking immaculate, three subs, spirits before the game were high, the team were hungry to right the wrongs of last week’s loss – what could go wrong? A lot.

The 3rds came up against a strong opposition, Jodoignoise FC, who join the 3rd division with a high reputation as potential title contenders. Jodoignoise FC showed a lot of composure in the opening phase of the game, creating good passages of play which the 3rds, despite their best efforts, couldn’t quite replicate. There were chances from both teams in the opening stages. Oisin had a few good shots saved but it was Jodoignoise FC who took the lead from a shot outside the box. 1-0. Moments later, an individual error allowed the opposition to double their lead. 2-0. The scoreline was a harsh reflection on the game and the 3rds efforts.

Any optimism for a second half turnaround was quickly eradicated with an early goal after the restart. 3-0. The 3rds used the wings as an area of focus to try to get back in the game. Shane and Wilf had some half chances and we were showing ourselves as a threat. However, Jodoignoise FC remained the superior team throughout and continued to threaten, extending their lead to 4. Final score 4-0.

Our thirst for goals was replaced by beers after the game and the hunger in the team was mostly evidenced through Matt’s hat-trick of post game sandwiches. We’ll have better days this season.

MOTM – Shane

When the thirds rolled up to Walhain to face the mighty Fossis (Les) CS, it wasn’t the pitch, the countryside or the cows in the field that caught their attention, but the Nordic modernist style clubhouse that overlooked the pitch while managing to blend seamlessly into the local landscape.

Sadly, that was the end of any seamlessness for this new look 11, and a scrappy, if effortful performance followed.

The thirds started quite well, controlling the opening exchanges against a burly and experienced bunch of Walhainian men. It became clear early on that the referee was in fact applying the rules of Gaelic football, which the thirds were not expecting. On what was a tight pitch, the thirds did well to work the ball down the wings and send Shane galloping into space. However the thirds suffered a sucker punch ten minutes in when a long range free flukily made its way into the back of our net to make it 1-0 to Fossis (Les) CS.

In the minutes that followed, the opposition put pressure on the thirds defence and we were guilty of not clearing balls definitively. However, we managed to keep the opposition at bay until half time, though we sadly couldn’t find the fluid passing in the middle and final thirds that we saw during last week’s game.

After some encouragement and some “get it together for fucks sake” words at halftime, the thirds started the second half much better, pressurising the opposition in their half and creating some very good chances. The midfield moved the ball well with some delicate one touch passing to get in behind their defence. Max was a towering presence in front of the back four, sweeping up any loose ball. Shane was busy up front holding up the ball and getting on the end of some good chances. The defence managed to force the opposition into mostly sending long “hit and hope balls” to the forwards.

But still, what was the undoing of the thirds today was our inability to string more than a few passes together, the result being that we never found much rhythm. Despite terrific effort from all, we didn’t manage to find an equaliser.

Post match? Well, it was back to the Nordic modernist clubhouse for some beers, with guest of honour Gav lifting everyone’s spirits with a large tray of golden Jupiler. Timo was very deservedly named Man of the match. All in all, it was a nice Saturday morning, and we go again next week.

The 3rds entered with weekend on top of the table following a 5-0 forfeit victory in week 1. With the extra week of preseason behind them, and a squad reinvigorated with a quality additions over the summer, the 3rds were confident going into their first match at home against a very good Chiefs side. The game started off slowly with plenty of back-and-forth from both sides. The 3rds saw debuts for Gabriele, Oisín, Robert, and Haakon while the Chiefs seemed to bring back most starters from last year. Their speedy wingers threatened the long ball over the top, but were kept at bay by the FCI back four. A chance free kick just outside of the box was taken perfectly for 0-1 Chiefs. The 3rds drew level off their own free kick shortly after, when Gabriele slotted in his own rebound bottom left corner for 1-1. Further intense attacks and counter attacks amounted to nothing for both sides, with good defensive stands and chances taken wide. Halftime 1-1.

The 3rds had the downhill slope going into the second half and made use of it to keep pressure on the Chiefs. Gabriele won a free kick on the left side of the pitch, well outside of the box. He curled a cross in which met the head of Robert perfectly at the penalty spot, redirecting in for 2-1 FCI. Shortly after the Chiefs’ potent wingers finally broke through on open play, and tapped in the 2-2 equalizer. With time winding down the game grew more physical. Max made his return to Nossegem in the 6 position and made sure the Chiefs felt his presence. Late in the match Gabriele created another chance down the left side of the pitch, dribbling the ball into the box and delivering a shot that the keeper couldn’t hang onto. The ensuing scuffle in front of the net eventually saw Shane with the final poke across the goal line for 3-2 FCI. With victory only minutes away, the 3rds just had to contain the speedy Chiefs forwards. Fatigue had set in though, and one particularly dribbly Chiefs winger was brought down just outside the box for another dangerous free kick. Impossibly well taken, it snuck just over the top of the wall and into the top corner for 3-3 FT.

A well-deserved MOTM to Gabriele.