Das Neue Gewinn
Liere Leery
The semis had all the trappings of a bona fide final, with Trinity Cup organisers Die alten Europäer just a tad more deserving than a thin Grilled XI, but unable to get a major share of the seven goals on show. Nippy Swedish striker Pablo Pollo had all eyes on him after his four-goal haul in the quarterfinals, but Siu-Cheung blanked out at a critical juncture. Pollo skittered through and let fly before Bao-Tam could twitch.
Dani Spirig had tested local boy Georg Schröders with a high shot earlier on, and Langeland equalled in the same minute as Pollo's opener by bashing in a rebound off Paullin's dipping masterpiece. It was all end-to-end action as Pollo sent the home fans into delirium with a fairy-like dribble through two flat-footed defenders before curling a slow ball right into the corner. The game had to be stopped while security rounded up a couple of fans who jumped from the stands to meet their hero.
Europäer had Grilled Birds hemmed in, and captain Ingo Sennett tried the straightforward approach as he ran at a mass of green shirts. He skipped past one, but Alcántara went low and took possession at the head of the penalty area. Sennett went flying and appealed vehemently for a foul, but ended up with a caution.
While they were engaged in conversation, Alcántara cleared all the way to the left byline, where Dutch international
Hidde van Liere was waiting. The winger was well willing to stretch his legs after being left on the bench for Grilled's home loss to Hattrick all the time, and a lightning one-two with
Quah Han Kok allowed van Liere an easy encounter with Schröders.
The game remained at two-all for the rest of the half. Langeland got into Dragutin Sulen's face after he felt the Croatian defender had impeded his progress illegally, and the duo had to be seperated by teammates. Langeland was given a yellow for his provocation. Grilled's right winger
Antonio Fernández Riviera felt the business end of Singaporean export Sapian bin Kunju Mohamad's boots in the 29th minute, and hobbled off in exchange for
Earl Barbour.
Europäer's blue and yellow flooded Grilled's six-yard area when Imants Kazanovs bent in a good cross, but none got a clean touch. The ball was headed for the net though when Tuan-Mu finally dashed in and intercepted, to the dismay of the frenzied spectators.
It would take a moment of pure genius to settle the fixture, and
Dani Spirig supplied it when he passed his way out of defence, conjuring a perfect ball that fell on the right side of
Ulf Hjortlind. The Swede forward had it under his control, and protected it from the encroaching defender as he made an adequate shot for Grilled to take the lead.
It was barely over when Ron Jordan sped in on the left into an unguarded position and collected a long pass about ten metres from Harlow's goal. Harlow distracted Jordan for a time before Siu-Cheung moved in to provide extra cover. Friedrich Nadolski came on for his senior Johannes Schulz as Europäer tried to add more variety to their attack.
With five minutes to go for a place in the final, Hjortlind attempted to cover all bases with a fierce volley that Schröders punched out for a corner. Tuan-Mu's corner was cleared easily, but van Liere ran at the defence and threaded a low pass to Langeland, who spun acrobatically to find the back of the net.
Europäer set the Eurodom afire when they reduced the deficit through Dutch midfielder Max Hoogendijk in the 89th minute, as he soared higher than even Siu-Cheung to thump in a powerful header. There was virtually no time added on, however, which meant that Hoogendijk's response ended as a slight consolation.
