With the FIFA World Cup underway, MGB set off for their own International tournament. The Open Football competition featured Maccabi France, Hungarian squad MTK and host country, Maccabi VAC Hungary.
MGB got off to a flying start, netting five against MTK with goals from Aron Gale and Daniel Bean, as well as an impressive Oli Sade hat-trick.
Managed by Brandon Hamme, this set them up for another confident win against the hosts in their second match of the tournament. Sade opened scoring for GB, with Gabriel Krieger, Dudi Edreyi and Adam Abadi completing the scoring.
With Maccabi France also winning their opening matches, the medal positions would be decided on the second day of competition.
All countries then participated in a traditional, lively Maccabi Shabbat on Friday and Saturday, which allowed the athletes from across Europe to bond and create newJewish friendships.
It all came down to the final match against Maccabi France who scored just before half-time and then again minutes before the final whistle, leaving GB to settle for the runners-up spot for a third consecutive EMFT.
The event concluded with a medal ceremony for all the winners and runners-up, presented by Motti Tichauer, chairman of the European Maccabi Confederation.
MGB boss Brandon Hamme commented: “It was a fantastic experience all round for everyone.
“The boys did Maccabi GB proud throughout the tournament, on and off the pitch. They gave it their all in every game and very nearly went the distance against a France team that have now won an impressive four consecutive EMFT gold medals. “The squad can hold their heads up high with deserved silver medals and look back fondly on their EMFT experience.”
Maccabi GB’s Sports coordinator and team coach Jordan Sapler remarked: “It was an absolute pleasure to see MGB retain the silver medal.
“As a squad, we played an impressive style of football and we are very proud of our performance throughout.
“The EMFT allowed us to experience the unique opportunity to represent our country and community whilst creating memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.”
----------------------------
SQUAD RATINGS
GRANT WAISSEL (GK) - Playing in his second EMFT, kept two clean sheets in the lead up to a final in which he made some important saves. He was kept quiet in the build-up to the final by a defence that was marshalled by his orders
MORDY WEILER (RB/LB) - Was a threat going forward all tournament and was extremely unlucky not to find himself on the scoresheet on several occasions. His energy down the wing gave MGB an additional threat going forward whilst remaining defensively strong throughout
JOSH TIANO (RB/LB) - Played the role of an old-fashioned full-back to perfection, was no-nonsense and was never afraid to get stuck in. Put in several dangerous deliveries into the box throughout the tournament and his passion and determination came out in full force in the final. We wish him the best in his recovery after picking up an injury in that game
RICHARD HAYIM (RB/LB/CM) - Was at his best this tournament, his fitness levels were at an all time high and he was playing with lots confidence and swagger on the ball. His versatility was a huge asset to the squad and his set pieces caused defences issues throughout the tournament
GABRIEL KRIEGER (CB) - Strong, disciplined and extremely calm on the ball. Kreiger was solid throughout the tournament. He played an instrumental role in the team’s two clean sheets in the tournament and was able to win many 50:50 battles.
JOSH BHARIER (CB) - Naturally a central midfielder, Bharier was converted into a centre-back for the tournament and he managed to complete that transition with ease. He looked natural at the back and seemed as if he had been playing there for years. He made several crucial tackles and interceptions during the tournament and didn’t put a foot wrong
SCOTT WAISSEL (RB/S) - The younger of the Waissel brothers, Scott has an engine that most could only dream of. He was able to close down defenders at a high intensity throughout despite the humid conditions. Unfortunate not to find the net but his dangerous deliveries into the box caused defenders issues. He also was able to successfully adapt to playing at full-back - a position he was not used to playing in. He excelled wherever he was on the pitch
DANIEL BEAN (CDM) - Absolutely superb throughout the tournament as the comparisons to N’Golo Kante refused to go away. His engine and work ethic in the middle of the park played a crucial role in our strong defensive record. He would never give up on a ball and would often win a 50:50 battle with people double the size of him. His ability on the ball was superb as well with one of the highest pass completion rates in the tournament.
DUDI EDREYI (CM) - Superb in the first two games, in which he scored and managed to pick up a few assists in. Injury left him out the final, which was a big loss to the side. Edreyi showed why Hendon United paid the big money to sign him last summer! A natural talent, with lots of flair and energy, he is bound to make a big splash on the other side of the Atlantic when he joins Baltimore FC. on loan this summer
ADAM ABADI (CM) - Produces magic wherever he goes in life and he most certainly produced some magical moments in Balatonfüred. His scissor kick finish in our 4-0 win over MTK Budapest was a thing of beauty. He covered every blade of grass every game, outmuscled midfielders with ease and perfected the box to box midfielder role
JOSH HARRIS (CAM) - Captain, skipper and legend. Was inspirational on and off the pitch and was the ideal choice for captain. Despite suffering with an ankle injury he played through the pain and managed to perfect a role that was not easy to play in the formation GB were playing. His well timed perfectly weighted pass to Oli Sade lead to our first goal of the tournament, he started the tournament as he meant to go on and go on he did
LOUIS COUQUE (CAM/ST) - Unfortunate to not find the net but his off-the-ball movement was crucial throughout. Was able to successfully move defenders out of position and open holes for our attackers around him. His pace proved difficult for defenders to and his close touch control and quick feet made him a threat throughout
ARON GALE (CAM/ST) - The youngest member of the squad showed maturity beyond his years. He managed to pick up a goal on the opening day and was a threat whenever he had the ball at his feet. Would often waltz past defenders with ease. Showed his ability to hold up play and bring other attackers into play and also his ability in the air saw him win the majority of aerial battles during the tournament
OLIVER SADE (S) - Finished top-scorer in the tournament with four goals. He was absolutely superb and proved to be nightmare for defenders throughout the tournament. Scored one of the goals of the tournament when his quick feet saw him beat several HungaryMasters defenders in a very close proximity to each other and then he somehow managed to scoop the ball into the net. Every time the ball came to his feet you expected him to do something out of this world. A real difference maker throughout the tournament and a very strong contender for Player Of The Tournament
ALSO SEE:
