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Prague Cup 2007

Saturday 25th August, 2007 saw the Prague Cup, incorporating the Tri-Nations competition between Austria, Czech Republic and Croatia, take place in the beautiful Czech capital.

Slavia Atletiky Stadion played host to the 3rd PRAGUE CUP for Australian Rules Football. Sunny skies and a shady grandstand were the order of the day and three much improved National sides took to the field to fight for Bohemian domination.

The first game, Czech Republic vs Croatia, was led early by the Croatian Knights gaining great clearance from the centre and converting. Sadly for the hosts, despite creating opportunities of their own, this was to be the theme of the match.

The Czech Lions, bolstered by the return of JD, were no match for the Knights, who have the luxury of some Australian groomed players on their team list. Silky skills with the ball and good foot speed, meant the Knights got themselves in front spot early and were able to stay there throughout all four quarters.

Although winning the third quarter, the Lions could not keep the momentum going in the final quarter, where the Knights added 4 goals and 5 points to the Lions solitary point. The only setback for the Knights was the loss of captain, Kolja Koracak, in the third minute of the match with a strained knee.

Final score: Croatia 14 goals, 10 behinds = 94 defeated Czech Republic 6 goals 5 behinds = 41

(After handicap: Croatia 137 defeated Czech Republic 67.)

Austria vs Czech Republic

Austria, looking relaxed despite the morning drive from Vienna, arrived in Prague with the goal to winning their first Tri-Nations match without relying on their handicap points. The day finally came, with the Kangaroos posting their maiden victory!

The Czech Lions began to look more organised from the moment they took the field in the second match of the day. However, losing two players with ankle strains put the pressure on the hosts to take control of the game. Once again, the Lions scored consistently in the first half, and won the third quarter, but faltered at the last hurdle and couldn't push past the Kangaroos. Even an inspirational mark and goal from debutant Petra Zezulkova, couldn't ignite the Lions for a final quarter flurry of goals.

First gamer, Stuart, for the Kangaroos was superb in the centre and ultimately guided Austria to their first Tri-Nations win (before handicap points are considered).

Final score: Austria 9 goals, 14 behinds = 68 defeated Czech Republic 8 goals 8 behinds = 56

(After handicap: Austria 98 defeated Czech Republic 82.)

Croatia vs Austria

The third and final match of the round was fittingly the deciding match for the 2007 Prague Cup. Both Austria and Croatia were undefeated on Czech soil in 2007 and this was going to be an arm wrestle.

Full of confidence, Austria flew out of the starting blocks and posted 27 points in the first quarter. This was definitely a shock to the Croatians, who were apparently caught napping after having the rest between their two fixtures. Not to be outdone, the Knights posted 26 points of their own in the second quarter, to go in to the main break five points to the good.

Injured Knights captain, Kolja Koracak, must have had a few choice words to say to his players at half time because they came out firing and scored a match clinching 31 point quarter. The final quarter was icing on the cake for the Croatians as they banged home three majors to Austria's zero in the last twelve minutes.

Final score: Croatia 14 goals, 7 behinds = 91 defeated Austria 7 goals 8 behinds = 50

(After handicap: Croatia 131 defeated Austria 80.)

Final Wrap-Up

So, we say congratulations to Croatia, for winning the Prague Cup and well done also to Austria for their fine performance last weekend. The Czech Lions had absolute pleasure in hosting the visiting sides in Prague and look forward to meeting again in Zagreb, Croatia on October 6th for the third and final round of Tri-Nations for 2007.

Thanks also to Monika from Austria for her wonderful photos of the event. Her photos can be viewed here: Prague Cup 2007

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