GB Win Maccabi Euro Champs
Maccabi GB, in partnership with UJIA have made history by becoming the first British team to win a men's Open Football tournament.
European Maccabi Football Trophy, Madrid
Open Football
2nd 4th May 2008
The opening game against two times holders, and tournament favourites Germany was a tight affair, with few clear-cut chances for either side.
Goalkeeper and captain Matt Davis was outstanding and the back four of Gilbert, Ossack, Adam Hakimi and Ben Harris remained faultless throughout. Danny Hakimi and Adam Levine pulled the midfield strings but, whilst Dan Levenfiche looked to be the only player capable of penetrating the German back-line, the game finished a fair 0-0.
MOM: David Ossack
Just a few hours later and GB once again took the field against their hosts, Spain, sporting Brian Estiz and Kyle Bentwood of London Lions and Manchester Maccabi respectively. Britain dominated the first half and scored their opening goal through a penalty by David Ossack, after Dan Levenfiche was adjudged to have been fouled.
Spain fought well in the second half, however, and managed to equalise on 60 minutes with a superbly taken free-kick. The game was descending into a midfield scrap, but Alex Gilbert was able to beat his full-back and cross for David Dinkin to put the visitors back in control. As Spain pushed for a winner, GB were able to capitalise and Josh Morris added two further goals.
MOM: Adam Levine / Elliot Espinoza
Saturday was a rest day and a chance for the squad to re-group, re-hydrate and focus on Sundays decider. With everyone expecting a Germany win against Spain, all the talk was of goal difference, but manager Stollar kept the game-plan simple and effective. Great Britain were dominant throughout, against a poor Russian team and Gavin Factor, who opened the scoring with a powerful header at the back post, Richard Fogelman and Daniel Gordon were too strong for their ageing defence. Dinkin scored a 30-yard volley, the pick of the goals, with Levenfiche, Fogelman and Levine each grabbing a brace.
As it turned out, Spain twice came from behind to draw with Germany, meaning Maccabi Great Britain won the tournament on an unchallenged on seven points, two clear of their nearest rival Germany.
Great Britain head-coach Gavin Stollar said: Victory at this tournament was a watershed for Great Britain and is the benchmark upon which all others will now be measured. From the results and team spirit to the regard which everyone associated with the delegation was held by our fellow competitors, it was a pleasure managing such a committed and talented bunch of players. Very early on eyebrows were raised at the lack of so called names that our squad included but my faith was entirely repaid as we made history in Madrid.
Player-coach Alex Gilbert said: It is hard to over-emphasize just how strong the morale created was, in such a very short space of time. The team played as if they had been together for years and a number of players will have realised just how good they are, or have the potential to be. It was an honour to be involved and I also thank Vintage Financial and Development Securities for sponsoring us.
SQUAD review:
Matt Davis (Goalkeeper & Captain)
The MSFLs Mr Reliable: barely put a foot wrong and led his team by word and action throughout. Brought all his experience to bare as Skipper of the class of 2008!
Ben Harris (Full Back)
Oakwoods first name on the team-sheet and showed why here. Hard in the tackle; calm on the ball, Harris was unshakable at full back and won the adoration of many whilst in Madrid.
Elliot Espinoza (Full Back)
There are few more committed players in the league and Elliot belies his slight stature with huge performances. Won the respect of his team-mates with a faultless display against Spain. Espinoza showed maturity beyond his years in this all conquering team.
Adam Hakimi (Centre Half)
The Managers Player of the Tournament: tactically astute, fierce at the back and, in his third European Maccabi Football Championship, finally a gold medal winner. Adam Hakimi should be a serious contender for next years Maccabiah squad.
David Ossack (Centre Half)
Man of the Match against Germany and top scorer with three coolly taken penalties. They dont come calmer or better in the air. Ossacks laid back style hid a will and passion to win that was demonstrated in every tackle, header and clearance made in Spain.
Adam Levine (Centre Mid)
Players Player of the Tournament; taking his form at South Manchester onto the international stage. Not a header or tackle shirked and improved creatively as each game progressed. Following Guy Morris late drop out, Adam was more than capable of filling Guys shoes.
Danny Hakimi (Centre Mid)
Danny protected his little brother (Adam) with an unselfish holding display. Played every minute of every game and was the fulcrum throughout. Hakimi Seniors commitment and drive gave Great Britain a foundation upon which to build most of their attacking moves.
Gavin Factor (Left Midfield)
An old fashioned and incredibly effective winger: beating his man and crossing time and time again. Excellent against Spain and unlucky that injuries restricted more minutes on the pitch. The highlight of Factors tournament has to be his back post bullet header against Russia. The Redbridge starlet will be hot property in the close season.
Josh Morris (Right Midfield)
The former cross-country champion worked tirelessly for the team and scored two excellent goals against Spain to clinch the tournament lead going into the final game. Morris fitness was key to his contribution in Madrid and gave good balance to the team playing wide right.
Daniel Levenfiche (Winger/Striker)
Dynamic, strong and two-footed: did more to terrorise Germany and Russia than Churchill and Reagan combined and unlucky not to score more. With his direct style of play, Lev was the creative spark that gave Great Britain a cutting edge.
David Dinkin (Striker)
Blessed with poise and technique and likely to emerge as a top MSFL player in the coming years. Scored the undoubted goal of the tournament against Russia with a thirty yard looping shot. As the youngest member of the squad, Dinkin showed considerable maturity on the international stage..
Richard Fogelman (Striker)
The MSFLs Golden Boot Winner-elect came into his own against Russia and will be a prolific marksmen at any level in the coming years. Proved many a pundit wrong as he stepped up to his countrys call with a solid contribution as part of this 14 man squad.
Daniel Gordon (Striker)
Flash Gordon looked strong and sharp throughout and was unlucky that a groin injury against Germany prevented him from playing against Spain. A born winner, , Chigwell Athletic will be poorer without the services of Gordon next season as he goes off travelling.
Alex Gilbert (Midfield and Player-Coach)
Led his team by example and made the crucial second goal against Spain, which swung the tournament back in Great Britains favour. Worked the team hard, constantly plied every player with water and introduced pilates as second nature. Gilbert was a key part of the managerial duo that plotted Great Britains place back at the top of the European Maccabi hierarchy.
Gavin Stollar (Manager)
Selected his team with precision and micro-managed the squad to perfection. Got the best out of every player and matched the Germans tactically in the vital opening game. Crucially, earnt respect as well as friendship. Clarity of message was Stollars mantra and as a result the team knew what was expected of them as they delivered what was requested.
