World Footy News

On Saturday 1st August, in the tiny village of Mitteleschenbach in the heart of Franconia (northern Bavaria) Germany, the German Black Eagles and the Czech Lions took the field. Playing according to EU Cup 9-a-side rules, both teams fought it out under the blazing sun – perfect conditions for relaxing at the beach, but quite extreme when playing Aussie Rules – for 4 x 20 minute quarters.

Thanks to German national team coach Luke McBride for this report.

The first half was epic. Goals were traded at both ends of the (on every other day) soccer field, an arm-wrestle of national pride versus physical fitness. The question soon became clear, “Who would run out of legs first?”

The half-time siren sounded and 18 men heaved a collective sigh as they carried themselves off to the change rooms - conveniently located underground to keep out the heat. Half time saw the Black Eagles leading their Czech adversaries 10.10 (70) to 9.5 (59).

Both teams had given their all up until this stage, but that wasn’t enough. It had been a ‘good’ game until now, but something more was needed. Reflecting on the previous two quarters, it was clear that the German’s could lift a notch. Ball delivery into the forward line was sloppy and possession was being wasted with rushed disposal of the ball. A new plan was conceived.

The young German squad put the new game plan into immediate action scoring heavily throughout the 3rd quarter. It wasn’t long before constant bombardment began to show in the Czech camp. Injuries mounted and general fitness started to wane. By the fourth quarter, Germany’s victory was all but sealed.

It was an all-round effort from the young German team, Hamburger Fritz Mehler booting 4, the Schmoll twins form Munich kicking 8 between them, 5 to Uli and 3 to Martin. But the Best On Ground honours went to the Full Back from Cologne, Tom Odenthal who proved a proverbial “brick wall” for the Czech offence all day long.

Final score:

Goals:

GERMANY - Uli Schmoll 5, Fritz Mehler 4, Chris Gerlach 3, Martin Neumann 3, Martin Schmoll 3, Matthias Oser 3, Patrick Martus 2, Michael Schuardt 2, Benjamin Mari 1, Malte Schudlich 1
CZECH REPUBLIC - Michael Gouteff 4, Greg Johnson 3, Jan Kren 2, Mark Pace 1, Daniel Vella 1

Almost as important as the game itself, and definitely worth mentioning, was the hospitality shown by the locals who put the whole show together. No fewer than 500 spectators were there to show their support (and intrigue) for The Great Australian Game. There was even live commentary throughout the game from two Aussies perched up on a stand decorated in green and gold.

Thanks enough can’t go to the residents and local business people of Mitteleschenbach for their efforts. So impressed were both Germans and Czechs alike, after the game there was already talk of turning this into an annual event. Footy really was the winner on the day.