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ISSA Football Tournament - Madrid
(International Schools Sports Association)
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| by Ted Crofts Sports & Social Organiser
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05-08th November
2007
This year was the first year the boy's football tournament had been hosted
outside of London. This time it was in sunny Spain, in the city of Madrid.
We left on a cold Monday morning. Having had a few problems with a number of
players, we had to leave with just 13 instead of the required 15, but
nevertheless spirits were high.
The trip to ASM The American School in Madrid (the hosts) didn't go as smoothly
as planned, after an initial delay of 50 minutes we then had to wait on the
plane for a further 40 mins for fog to clear, 'bring on sunny Spain'.
When we eventually arrived at the school the players were collected by their
host families for the week. The team weren't happy about being hosted but that
soon changed. Alberto and Yaroslav ended up having their own private butler and
each host family had more than enough to keep the boys occupied.
The day of the tournament arrived; all the players were nervous but also very
excited. The weather was brilliant as were the facilities. Our first game was
against ISA (Aberdeen) who were known as a very competitive side. Saint
Michael's started the tournament brilliantly, after a spell of pressure Yoshi
sent a long throw forward which fell to AK who took a fantastic chip shot
leaving the Aberdeen goalkeeper stranded 1-0 St Michael's; however our
celebrations could not last long. Early in the second half Aberdeen snatched an
equalising goal; St Michael's battled on but were eventually beaten by a superb
solo effort by one of the Aberdeen strikers, the game ended 2-1 in Aberdeen's
favour.
Due to a late start by one of the other teams St Michael's second game came
along very quickly, with only a 10 minute break since the last game. Our second
opponents were SIS (Southbank), SIS were a young team whom had been together
for 3 years, they were tipped as the favourites to win the whole tournament. It
ended with St Michael's being beaten comfortably by a very good footballing
side. Our 3rd and final game of the 1st day was against DSL (Germans), having
watched DSL play earlier on in the day we were looking forward to the game, as
we felt we could have a good chance. However it was not to be, DSL scored 2
scrappy goals, and the game ended 2-0. The players returned to their host
families tired and disheartened.
However, on the second day St Michael's came out a different team. Our first
game of the 2nd day was against ISL (International School of London) ISL
started strongly scoring two goals in the first half, we looked beaten but
after a few inspirational words from their coach (me), the guys went out a new
team. Every player chased down the ball and in no time at all we had snatched a
goal, another great goal from AK placing it past the goalkeeper with ease. The
second half was all about St Michael's, even the crowd was behind us. However
we just couldn't do enough to make up for the early mistakes in the 1st half
and the game ended 3-1 ISL. The final game of the tournament gave us another
shot at the Germans, but this time we were ready.
Having ended the last game on a high we took our confidence to the Germans.
After a period of immense pressure the Germans cracked, the chance fell to
Nursultan and he finished sweetly with his left foot driving the shot low and
hard out of the goalkeeper's reach. But we were not finished there, St
Michael's continued to pile on the pressure, then after a fantastic solo run AK
found himself in front of goal, the shot was released beautifully only to smash
against the post of the German goal. The 1st half was all St Michael's. Late in
the second half, down to a defensive mix up DSL found themselves equalising,
until this moment the defence had been brilliant all tournament, who would have
guessed what was about to happen. Raised by their goal DSL came at us strongly,
and it was not long before they had scored again the team was deflated and
their heads dropped. The final score 3-1 DSL.
The tournament ended, and too much surprise ASM were the eventual winners
beating SIS in the final 2-1.
On our final day in Madrid, we went to visit The Bernabeu (Real Madrid's
stadium), the tour gave us the opportunity to visit exclusive areas including
the changing rooms, press office, trophy rooms and even the pitch side bench.
Just looking around when it was empty was fantastic you can't begin to imagine
what the atmosphere must be like when it is full. What an experience.
In terms of results our tournament wasn't the best, but more importantly we
progressed and developed as a team and as individuals. The team which started
training for Madrid back in September has come so far. They will continue to
develop, perhaps returning next year with the trophy.
Return to Student
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Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, WR15 8PH, UK.
Tel: +44 1584 811300 Fax: +44 1584 811 221. E-mail: info@st-michaels.uk.com
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