Fun football, nice meals, many beers and toons of joy in Kaohsiung. Another tournament weekend has b
It was important for the Lions to continue to prowl at Taiwan tournaments, and the pride was a strong one. Mirko, Greig, Pete, Fred, Christian snr, Christian jnr, Christie, Max, Lamin, Mao, Alrick, Pablo, Enoc, Tony, Lionel, David and Lucas. Not to forget support from the WAGS - Joyce and Phoebe. Spartacus was there.
It all started on Friday night with a HUGE event - Mirko celebrated another 21st birthday. He spent time discussing Germany's 25th anniversary of unification. Something he assures us he never experienced first hand. Nevertheless, in usual German tradition, all drinks were paid for. Considering only 5 players were there on Friday night, I think he was very happy.
Kick off was 10.45 on Saturday morning. Amazingly, all players were there for the start. Max was late to show which was worrying, but he turned up (eventually!)
First game was against Compass, who eventually topped the group with 15 points. The result was 1-0 although the theme of missed chances made an appearance. There were many opportunities to score in the game but it didn't happen. Compass scored a worldy shot from outside the box which there was no chance of saving. Fred closed his eyes taking a header which should have been in. He's now been traded for some salami. Top grade, obviously. Ah well, at least I studded the goalkeeper in the face. It was innocent and I gave him a beer on Sunday.
Black Knights - They were poor. Easy win. Pablo was unleashed up front in this game. Once he was told 3 goals = beers he seemed to miss a few chances. Mmm, something was not right. 2 games meant 3 points.
Jhubei were hunted down and throttled by top quality football (4-1). All players showed their best football this game. By far the best game we played. If we had played like this throughout, we'd have been taking hose showers much later. Again Pablo scored 2 then his shooting went awry. Mmm, what is going on. Also, I think this is when Fred got his name on the scoresheet. He was devastated by trade talks and one goal would lead to his deal being salami and a panini!
Last game of the day was a pacers team but the name I don't remember. Basically - we should have won, we missed chances, the referee was awful, we lost our composure, they were pricks and we lost 2-1. Ach well. Time for scran and drinks.
Dinner was quality. Good food, plenty beers and top notch company. Oysters and tofu was apparently the favourite dish. Not very lion like? Afterwards, it was time to continue the night. The brickyard was the starting point. Lucas showed his prowess on the fussball table. Is this standard curriculum in Germany? Later, time to make a move. Max had a recommendation - a dancing bar with massages and whisky. It was good fun and a change of scene. Lots of whisky and even some Celine Dion. Again, the Germans showed their talents with a recreation of Titanic. Again, what exactly happens in Germany!! Players left when there time was up - we'll leave it there.
Sunday was tough. Tired legs and sore heads were abundant.
Next game - Daan. It ended 0-0. We had a goal line save. They missed chances as did we. We should have won. The result meant we finished 3rd in the group.
7 points, scored 7 and conceded 4.
This meant we played B53's in the plate semi-final. We looked tired in phases but certainly played well. They had chances but we had more clear cut ones. We missed them but they did too. Until with 2 minutes to go...a mix up at the back meant Ahmed snuck in to score. Tournament over.
Beers arrived quickly after the final whistle.
To sum up - I had a cracking time. We need to keep it up. The Lions are due a victory at one of the island tournaments. Next time one is on we should aim to go, and go with everyone. Maybe arrange a bus? Max, keep in with the group. Everyone else - be ready to play again.
Awards of the weekend...always a tough one...
Gary Lineker golden boot - Pablo
Lionheart of the weekend - Enoc
Best Spartacus - Tony
Howler - Fred/Lionel/Alrick/Pete...
