Swedes No Match For Canada's Boys

August 29, 2008 by Salvatore Capoferri | View Comments (7)

MELBOURNE, Australia. - Round 2 of International Cup action saw Canada meeting Sweden at Royal Park in Melbourne, with the Swedes coming off a big loss to Ireland two days earlier and the Northwind a huge victory over Finland.

After the National Anthems from the two countries were played, it was Sweden who came out and set the tone, taking the ball inside their 50 metre zone on four occasions before the boys from Canada started to get into gear.

If not for some strong defensive work from team captain, Stefan Leyhane and small defender Steve Carew, the Swedes may well have registered a couple of goals.

As it was, Scott Fleming became the game's first goal kicker, scoring from a set shot 30 metres out. The Canadians then kicked 3 more quick goals to build a healthy buffer between the sides and set up a 32 point lead going in to the first break.

In the second term, Sweden kicked their first and only goal of the match, but big forward Chris Buczkowski kicked 2 of his 3 goals for the day as Canada took a 41 point lead in to half time. In the second half all the Wind came from the North, as the boys in red and white piled on 9 goals to none to runaway with another 100 point victory.

The star up forward was undoubtedly young gun Scott Fleming who kicked 8.3, and was unstoppable whenever the ball was kicked in his area. Scott's strong leading and marking as well as his willingness to give off to teammates in better positions was a major reason why Canada looked potent every time the ball went forward.

Teaming with vice-captain Aaron Falcione, who controlled the attacking half, the Northwind forwards were virtually unplayable when the ball was kicked to their advantage.

In the midfield, rover Danny McIlravey gave Sweden a tough time all day, playing with a strong determination and desire to be first at the ball and to get the ball moving as quickly as possible.

Manny Matata, playing his first game of the tournament controlled the centre square, easily winning the hitouts against an opponent 2-foot taller than him and proving a menace at ground level with his strength over the ball making one or more of his opponents think twice before diving on the football.

When the ball did enter the Swedish half of the ground, centre half back Tasos Dimacakos and his lieutenants played the footy on their own terms, constantly making switches in play to find an open teammate on the opposite side of the ground, which more often than not set up a scoring opportunity down the other end.

The only sour note for Canada was the injury to back pocket Steve Carew, who had to leave the ground with an injured shoulder. Despite the seriousness of the injury he should be alright to take on Ireland in a few days time.

The final score was the Northwind 16.12.108 to Sweden 1.1.7

Goal kickers for Canada: Scott Fleming 8, Chris Buczkowski 3, Aaron Falcione 2, James Maitland 1, Danny McIlravey 1, Clayton Holmes 1

Best players: Scott Fleming, Aaron Falcione, Danny McIlravey, Tasos Dimacakos, Manny Matata, Frank Luisser

Reported by Daniel Eddy