Maastricht November 2008 (Mens / Ladies)

Copenhagen wins European Shield

It is a great end to a very enjoyable season for the entire club. The final official tournament of the season, held in Maastricht on November 8th, saw Copenhagen crowned 2008 European Men's Shield Winners. Even though the team had to settle for third place on the day, enough points were earned to secure a proud victory in the overall competition. Like all tournaments played by Copenhagen this year, the players not only worked hard, they also had fun. Every player in the panel that travelled played on the day and enjoyed the party afterwards. Those that couldn't make the trip were missed on the occasion. The facilities, pitches and festivities laid on by the Maastricht club were probably the best yet and the club's thanks goes out to them. The club would also like to thank Kieran Punch for his commitment and organisation throughout the season, and Bert Lane for taking the time to both manage the team and believe in it.

Copenhagen v Belgium

Never a team that comes quickly to life in the first game, Copenhagen managed just a few first-half points against newcomers Belgium ÒBÓ. The tone of Bert's halftime remarks inspired a needed improvement in performance, with the backline finding the right rhythm first. Big performances from Mel, Dave, Tom and Mark closed down the Belgian attack and enabled John and Rob to set the pace of the game from their midfield berths. Points from John, Ben, Mel and Tony and a goal from Fergus put distance between Copenhagen and a tiring Belgium team. Finally, a great move started by Sean Mac, saw P‡draig deliver the perfect pass to Fergal, who coolly netted the goal that would finish the game off completely.

2-6 Copenhagen v Belgium 0-2

Copenhagen v Maastricht

Tournament hosts Maastricht proved to tough opposition. And with some very fast wing forwards they quickly got points on the board. John and Rob would once again gain control in midfield for Copenhagen, but overall, the team just didn't gel as a unit. A spectacular point from Tony and 2 long-range points from both John and Rob kept hopes alive. Copenhagen fought back 3 times to cut the Maastricht lead down to a couple of points. But even 4 great scores from Ben weren't enough against a team Copenhagen felt they could beat another day. Maastricht held out well and netted two good goals in the last 5 minutes to put the game out of Copenhagen's reach.

0-9 Copenhagen v Maastricht 3-6

Semi-final

Copenhagen v Valencia

Even in tournaments where Copenhagen has reached and won finals, the third game of the day has always been a stumbling block. And on a pitch that had become drier and faster as the day progressed, a good Valencia team took full advantage. A quick and chaotic first half saw them race ahead. And while Copenhagen got scores, Valencia had the edge when it came to fitness. Phil's first appearance in the tournament and classy points from Ben, John, Rob and Tony just weren't enough. Copenhagen passing began to falter, while Valencia's speed on the break didn't. Valencia emerged worthy winners of this encounter and went on to deservedly win the tournament in a closely fought final against Maastricht.

0-5 Copenhagen v Valencia 2-8

Despite this semi-final defeat, spirits were lifted when Mel informed the team that they were officially Men's Shield Champions. So, in the late afternoon, a happy Copenhagen team faced Amsterdam in the bitter cold to decide third and fourth places in the day's tournament.

Copenhagen v Amsterdam

As always, this game against Copenhagen's consistent rivals was going to be a tough but fair contest. Copenhagen started well with Phil's return to the backline adding some extra strength. The pace of Copenhagen's youngest players, Cian and Sean C, kept the opposition's backs under pressure, letting John and Ben through for points in the first 5 minutes. After Amsterdam replied in turn with 2 well-worked points, Sean C made his birthday one to remember with a very spectacular goal. John was sidelined with a hamstring injury a few minutes into the second half and all legs were now tired, but Copenhagen persevered. Jakob was in great form and pulled off a string of brave saves to keep Copenhagen on top. A quick Amsterdam point was answered in style by Ben, who chipped the ball chip over the goalies head into the back of the net. In the last minutes Rob and Sean C added stylish points. Amsterdam took one back, but the result was Copenhagen's.

2-4 Copenhagen v Amsterdam 1-3

Ladies

With only one girl left on the Copenhagen Gaels Team, we mixed up with the Maastricht girls again this year.

Copenhagen/Maastricht v Budapest

0-1 Copenhagen/Maastricht v Budapest 5-6

Copenhagen/Maastricht v Holland

0-1 Copenhagen/Maastricht v Holland 6-3

Copenhagen/Maastricht v Brussel

0-3 Copenhagen/Maastricht v Brussel 10-5

Budapest September 2008 (Mens)

After a successful trip to Budapest in May which was in turn followed up by winning in Munich in July it was time for the Copenhagen team to head for Hungary again. Despite only having 12 players available and with the "silver fox" carrying some potentially career ending injuries we were confident we could pull off some good results.

Copenhagen Vs Vienna

On a perfect day for football Copenhagen opened the tournament against a physically strong Vienna side. The Viennese were much quicker out of the blocks and took some nice scores. Copenhagen was struggling to find their rhythm and their play was notable for the number of wides (mostly from me). Vienna continued to dictate especially in midfield and went in at the break a couple points to the good. Copenhagen came out for the second half more composed and organized and quickly settled into the game and began to score more regularly but Vienna were always one score ahead. With the final whistle nearing and some concerted pressure from Copenhagen resulted in a couple of points and then a 50 from which the ball ended in the Viennese net alˆ the hand (fingertips) of god. Vienna were edged out and Copenhagen had won the opening and bruising game of the tournament.

Final score Cph 2.06 (12) - 2.03 (9) Vienna

Copenhagen Vs Budapest

After a long break it was time to take on the hosts. Budapest boasting almost a completely new team from the clubs previous meeting in May looked strong but it was Copenhagen who started the better. Despite playing against what looked to be a younger and quicker side Copenhagen began to score from a number of different positions around the pitch. This didn't faze the local side though and they came back strongly and the game began swing back and forth. Copenhagen had however managed to hit the net with a couple of their scoring chances and therefore held the lead for most of the game. As the game wore on injuries picked up by Copenhagen in their opening game began to take their toll forcing them to change their midfield out. Budapest seized on the opportunity and began to dictate the play resulting in 5 unanswered scores 2 of which where goals. Copenhagen held the slenderest of leads though and tried hard to extend it, but momentum was with the home side and they managed to equalize and had a good chance to the steal the win. The final whistle blew to end a pulsating game with a draw a fair result for both teams.

Final score Cph 3.10 (19) - 3.10 (19) Budapest

Copenhagen Vs Amsterdam

After drawing with Budapest it was time for a make or break game against Amsterdam with the winners going on to the final and it turned out to be the toughest game of the afternoon. Both teams went for it right from the off and it turned out to be a very close and physical encounter with neither side giving an inch. With both sides looking for an edge in what was probably the toughest game of the afternoon; Copenhagen seemed to find it in the long and accurate kicking of their goalkeeper which helped keep Amsterdam deep in their own half and forcing them to work hard to move the ball up field. Copenhagen managed to create a bit more fluidity about their game and this got them in front and looked as if it would keep them there. With the clock ticking down and Copenhagen a couple points to the good, Amsterdam got hold of the ball and with a fine passing move down the right an Amsterdam player was found waiting at the back post to finish the move with a goal. To the relief of the Copenhagen team and about five million Danes a "square ball" was given. Copenhagen seized on this let off to close out the game and qualify for the final. From a Copenhagen point of view the game the game was notable for an immense midfield display from Robert resulting in him scoring seven times.

Final score: Cph 2.09 (15) - 1.08 (11) Amsterdam

Final:
Copenhagen Vs Budapest

Late on what turned out to be a very warm afternoon in Hungarian capital it was time to regroup and gather ourselves for a shot at a hattrick of tournament wins. Budapest were fired-up though and eager to avenge a defeat suffered in their regional tournament in May. Budapest started brightly and scored a goal and a point right from the off. Copenhagen weren't to be rocked though and came back strongly to surge into the lead which they still held at the break. The second half was a close affair with Copenhagen having the upper hand in ball possession resulting in them being able to keep their noses in front. With the final whistle nearing the Copenhagen legs were tiring rapidly and Budapest took advantage of this and their large squad. Three Budapest subs were introduced and they made an immediate impact helping their side score 2-01 to put them in an unassailable lead with just a couple of minutes left on the clock.

Final score: Cph 1.09 (12) - 3.09 (18) Budapest

One of the highlights of the tournament for Copenhagen was star half-back, founder father of the club and part-time Berliner, Mel Lynam, being voted player of the tournament.

Paris June 2008 (Ladies)

Mixed Team Maastricht-Munich-Copenhagen

Nicole (Maastricht), Mia (Copenhagen), Astrid (Maastricht), Clair (Maastricht), Sanna (Munich), Sarah (Maastricht)

Annika (Copenhagen), Lotte (Copenhagen), Ane (Maastricht), ?

Maastricht-Munich-Copenhagen playing against Paris, sadly we lost...

Team spirit

Maastricht-Munich-Copenhagen got the Fair Play Cup for being the most mixed team in one tournament

Budapest May 2008 (Mens)

With logistical planning down to a tee we headed for the Hungarian capital where our massive squad of 14 was due to meet up with our biggest fan in the luxurious surroundings of the Ginkgo Hostel.

On Saturday morning in glorious sunshine we hit the village of Szentendre where the tournament would be played. After a long winter of training and Billy Morgan nowhere to be seen, hopes where high within the Copenhagen camp.

From a Copenhagen point of view the game was notable for the early formation of what turned out to be a very solid backline.

Copenhagen : 2-09 v 0-06 : Vienna.

Copenhagen opened the tournament against Vienna and we hit the ground running scoring a couple of early goals and building up a head of steam to finish the game with a score of 2-09.

Scorers Michael 1-01, Tom 1-00, Ben 0-04, John 0-03, Colm 0-01

Copenhagen : 4-15(27) v 0-02 : Budapest Rangers 2.

After a short break we were up against Budapest Rangers 2. They had showed their strength in their first match by scoring 3-5. The Copenhagen team showed their mettle by changing their formation upping their game and winning by a 25 point margin, with the help of some fine scores from all over the pitch. This was possibly one of the best displays seen by any Copenhagen team. One bystander remarked that the Copenhagen team were now playing what could only be described as "champagne football".

Scorers John 1-01, Sean C 1-03, Colm 1-01, Mel 1-01, Ben 0-05, Tom J 0-02, Michael 0-02

Copenhagen : 4-11 (23) v 1-05 (8) : Budapest

Late in the afternoon and with temperatures rising Copenhagen were ready for a final showdown with Budapest Rangers. Budapest boasted a fine midfield plus an outstanding goalkeeper. There was a slightly nervy start from both teams where the Copenhagen defence and goalkeeper pulled off some superb blocks and saves to keep their team in the game. A sudden blaze of high tempo concerted attacks resulted in Copenhagen scoring 1-3 in the space of a couple of minutes and taking a lead they didn't ever look like surrendering. Copenhagen went from strength to strength with solid performances all over the pitch, highlighted by a magnificent score by Mel from a sideline ball on the halfway line. Probably the performance of the tournament was made Tom J in this game; up against a very good midfield Tom fielded the ball at will. He was helped out by Colm who seemed to be available for every ball. The final whistle was blown with Copenhagen running up a superb score of 4-11 in just 24 minutes. Another bystander (unrelated) remarked that "From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic an iron curtain had well and truly ascended"

Scorers John 2-02, Michael 1-00, Ben 1-05, Tom J 0-02, Sean 0-01, Mel 0-01

The team display from the Copenhagen boys didn't stop there as stunning array of well coordinated dancefloor moves were put on display in a well known city nightclub.
A special thanks to everyone involved in making this a successful trip especially a number of guys who unfortunately couldn't make the journey. (that's everyone who couldn't make thanks lads)
And finally a thanks to Seán Mac, Mel & Colm who made the trip.