Amsterdamaged

Oh how the European Champions came crashing back down to earth in Amsterdam yesterday. Our squad was a mix of newcomers and old timers and the lack of cohesion was most obvious when Luxembourg took advantage to hit us for two goals in our opening bout. We trailed by 1-1 to 0-3 at half-time even though we were on top. At the interval I made a number of switches, maybe too many. We moved jigged around the defence, which hadn't felt much first half pressure and moved Eoin into the forwards. It unsettled lads and we couldn't get ourselves together after. I'd take the credit if the switches worked so I have to take the heat if they don't. My conservative streak betrayed me and the 2-2 to 0-3 score was the punishment.



We locked horns with old foes Den Hague next and they gleefully extracted revenge for all that was inflicted on them lasyear. 0-8 to 0-0 and they weren't shy to goad us for the rest of the day. We did manage to lift our spirits for the final game against Amsterdam and after being level at 0-5 a piece at half-time, we then stormed into a 0-11 to 0-5 lead. The life suddenly went out of us however and a couple of more disasters around our own goal gave them a 2-8 to 0-11 victory.



The tournament was an awful kick in the balls and made for a sickening day. Still, we had a panel of 15 in the end and everyone got a decent amount of football under their belts. Clux couldn't be falted for the goals and in front of him Crusher and Martin did well to stem the tide for long periods. Martin, over twice Crusher's age is some operator for a 48 year old. Conchur, who was on the end of a stupid tackle in the last game, learned the following day that he had broken two bones in his leg. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Next stop is Den Hague, who if you read Hoganstand.com, have declared themselves raging hot favourites. Nice.