Before the football began, they enjoyed a tour of Rigas’s old town. Returning to the host school, The International School of Latvia (ISL), the boys met their host families and went to their homes to enjoy their hospitality and rest for the tournament the following day.
The 8-team tournament had teams in two pools of four. Our boys were in Pool B. In the first match, the Titans had to battle blizzard conditions and ankle-deep snow. Nevertheless, they overcome both the elements and their hosts with a 2-0 win. Both goals came from Mohammed Al Barwani. This performance marked him out as a player to watch for our other opponents.
Later that day, the boys gained a point in a hard-fought 0-0 draw against a well-organised Helsinki side. Again weather conditions were the biggest obstacle as heavy snow fell throughout the match.
The lad's final pool match was against ambitious Belgrade. After a tight, goalless first half, Belgrade’s ambition got the better of them as TISA pulled away to win 4-1. Goals from Ellis Sadler, and another for Mohammed Al Barwani, were complemented by two own goals from Belgrade.
The boys’ unbeaten run had them top of Pool B and drawn against Sofia, the second-placed team from Pool A. This match turned out to be the biggest challenge the team faced. Sofia had hardly conceded a goal in pool play. Half time in the semi final saw TISA facing a 0-1 deficit. An early equalising goal from Mohammed Al Barwani shifted momentum. Later, William Bell finished a fine passing move that put TISA ahead 2-1. TISA lead till the final minutes, however, a late goal from Sofia saw the game finish 2-2.
In the ensuing penalty shoot-out goalkeeper Edik Smith pulled off some fine saves. Wassim Aoudia had TISA’s last shot. His nerveless and accurate shot found the back of the net; TISA was in the final.
On the other side of the draw, Helsinki had progressed to the final after overcoming Pool A winners Kiev in the semi-final. Like the encounter in the pool match, it was a tight affair, with few chances and most of the match played in the midfield areas. The repeat 0-0 draw meant penalties would decide the tournament.
The pressure began to tell. TISA, despite having three penalties saved by the outstanding Helsinki goalkeeper, was kept in the match by Edik Smith also saving three times.
Once again Wassim Aoudia had the chance to finish the match. Showing remarkable calm, he coolly slotted the ball into the side netting beyond the keeper’s outstretched right hand. TISA had won 2-1 and would return to Baku with the impressive tournament trophy.
Many thanks to all who helped make the trip a success: Firstly, to Ms Aisha Taylor for accompanying the boys to Riga. Mr Maytham and Ms Chinara for arranging the travel and hosting in Riga. Mr Dom and Mr Samir for their coaching, and finally, to Rory and the team for their fine display, on and off the pitch.
