Silver-lining for Maccabi GB at European Maccabi Football Trophy

Maccabi GB returned from the European Maccabi Football Trophy with silver medals from Open Football and Open Futsal, in a competition where Maccabi France were the dominant force.

Things started badly for GB on the pitch as Daniel Shafron’s team lost 4-1 to France side who are believed to have fielded their Maccabiah squad.

France capitalised on a nervy start from MGB to forge ahead. They were denied a second after a remarkable one-on-one save by Grant Waissel and his efforts were rewarded when man-of-the-match Zak Neiman equalised with a bullet header from a Zak McLeod free-kick.

GB had a golden opportunity to take the lead as a chance from Daniel Garfinkle went begging and they were made to pay as France took control in the second half. They made it 2-1 and, with GB chasing the game, scored twice in quick succession after a superb free-kick from McLeod had crashed against the woodwork.

MGB started the second match bottom of the table in a round-robin competition but they quickly redeemed themselves with a ruthless performance against Maccabi Spain later the same day.

Garfinkle fired a hat-trick, while McLeod capped an excellent all-round display with a double. Further strikes from Dovi Fehler, Ben Myers, Josh Bharier, Scott Waissel and star man Ethan Zone completed the rout.

All players rested on Shabbat and the action resumed on Sunday. Revenge was on the minds of the MGB players ahead of the match against a Maccabi Germany side who had beaten them at the European Maccabi Games in Berlin less than 12 months prior.

With the game goalless, GB were indebted to an unbelievable goal-line clearance from captain Rob Blackman. Match-winner Fehler, who scored the only goal of the game, worked tirelessly up front and Josh Bharier bossed the midfield and did a near-perfect job keeping the recognised German playmaker quiet all game as GB secured silver medals for MGB for the second consecutive EMFT.

The decisive moment saw a period of GB pressure rewarded when Daniel Garfinkle broke away down the left and pulled the ball back for the brilliant Fehler who tucked his shot into the bottom corner.

Germany tried to respond but couldn’t break down the resilient GB defence so well protected by Elliot Espinoza.

MGB boss Daniel Shafron said: “The squad did themselves proud on and off the pitch and I couldn't have asked for a better group of boys to share this experience with.

"All round it was a fantastic experience for everyone involved. We are very proud of our achievements and will long live in the memories of each and every player."

Commenting on winners France, Shafron added: "They are a great side and it was clear that they had been playing together for several years. They were a very impressive, well-oiled machine and ultimately deserved winners."

Reflecting on the stand-out performers in the GB squad, Shafron commented: "Zack Neiman, Ethan Zone and Josh Bharier were man of the matches for their performances against France, Spain and Germany respectively.

"Dovi Fehler was also tremendous, despite carrying a groin injury, and showed why he is one of the best and hardest working forwards in the MSFL.

"Rob Blackman deserves special praise as an exemplary captain and leader. The way he conducted himself on and off the pitch was superb and was well assisted by Josh Pugh.

"Espinoza is an unsung hero and goes about his job of protecting the defence better than most.

"The player of the tournament as voted for by the squad was Zack Neiman closely followed by Ethan Zone. Zack originally joined the squad as a forward but played at centre half due to injuries. He looked like he had been playing there for years, positioned himself expertly, very rarely lost a challenge and scored a great goal against France."

Matt Stock was the star performer in the Open Futsal competition. He fired a hat-trick to cap a 6-4 win over Spain, but GB had no answer to a powerful Maccabi France team who crushed them 6-0.

Player-manager Daniel Tannenbaum scored three times in the 9-3 demolition of Maccabi Holland. Victory was sealed by efforts from Leor Harel (2), Stock (2), Jonathan Horwitz and Daniel Warwick. This was followed by a final-day win over Maccabi Madrid.

Daniel Tanenbaum, MGB’s Open Futsal manager, said: "This is a huge achievement for our team and Maccabi GB Futsal as a whole.

"Our team of six had never played the sport competitively before and we beat two established Maccabiah teams in Spain and Holland.

"Every player put in their shift and got on the scoresheet at least twice and if we didn't have to play a strong France team straight after a tough game against Spain, we could have potentially won gold.

"A special mention goes to Grant Waissel who played for both teams in goal and was an absolute rock and also to Laurence Myers who was a fantastic coach throughout the tournament."