Final Recaps

Ireland vs. Laos

Ireland and Laos faced off in a very exciting match on Saturday night. Ireland went up early scoring 2 goals and the game looked to be the makings of a blowout. Laos, always a very intense team, kept up the pressure the entire game. They clawed back, keeping up with Ireland every step of the way. Ireland would score, then Laos would score. In what has to be the highlights of the match, Ireland's keeper made 2 absolutely incredible saves to preserve Ireland's lead. Neither team could take advantage of bad mistakes the other team made, but it only made the game better to watch. With Ireland leading 4-3 near the end of the game, Laos was making a charge while Ireland backed off. Laos had some chances, but their problem was that they kept trying to cross it in and get a header. They didn't seem to realize that this is virtually impossible against Ireland's defence, but they kept trying nonetheless. Granted, Laos was able to get a few of the balls, but none were dangerous or had any power. Ireland had their chances as well, and but couldn't put Laos away for good. Shots were either right at Laos' keeper, or nowhere near the net. However, Laos looked to have gained the upper hand by the end of the game. They were controlling the possession well, but Ireland buckled down on defence and didn't let anything come through. They held on to win 4-3.

The final game was great to watch. Many expected Ireland to win, but not in such close fashion. It was awesome to see so many people out and fill that place to almost max capacity. The 2 teams put on such a great show, and both should be proud of they way they played. Congratulations to Ireland on their victory.

Bronze medal- Ukraine vs. Scotland

These 2 teams met again after tying to a 1-1 draw in the group stage. The rematch proved to be quite a spectacle. Ukraine shot themselves in the foot with critical mistakes, giving Scotland many of their goals. Scotland, gaining a comfortable lead early on, seemed to let up and just sit back. Up ahead 5-3 at the half, they looked to be in comfortable position to win. Scoring right after the break to go up 6-3 and soon after 7-3, the game looked to be locked as a Scotland win and Ukraine beating themselves. Ukraine kept on coming though, gaining a new intensity and really pressuring Scotland. Scotland, missing their keeper from the previous game, and with their defence playing poorly, couldn't stop them. Ukraine started to hammer on Scotland, roaring back to make the game 7-6, and spending the last 6 minutes trying desperately to score one more. Scotland put a wall to try and stop the onslaught of shots, and Ukraine just couldn't squeak one in. Scotland held on to win 7-6. The game was very exciting to watch. Neither team played at the top of their game, but it was a great bronze medal match.