TEAM: K. Mercelis, S. Lachia, N. McGrath, B. Thom, J. Minne, R. McGeehan, S. Lamarra, L. Novak, J. Philpot, T. Kellermann, D. Donner

SUBS: K. De Roeck, S. Takeda

It might have been Steve's extra vitamin B-intake the week before, it might have been Daniel's fancy new boots – or simply the fact that RBB had only lost once to Portugal in the ten last encounters? Whatever the reason, the British showed great confidence from the off when they faced Portugal away in Anderlecht.

Portugal's slightly diminutive keeper already had to collect the ball from the back of his net after only two minutes of play, when Daniel slotted in 1–0 from a fine through ball by Tommy. The British then kept going, with captain Rich adding in a second goal with a top-corner shot from inside the box.

Portugal stayed true to their style and circulated the ball swiftly in midfield or tried to reach their wingers with long balls. These efforts did not result in many serious opportunities, however, as RBB's midfield and defense kept their calm. Instead, it wasn't long before RBB was able to make it 3–0, after a corner where Ben was left unguarded to tap in a header from Jean, scoring his first official RBB goal.

FUN FACT: Did you know that hippos' sweat turns red when they're upset?

The Portuguese had a player sent off in both of last season's fixtures and today was no exception, as a defender picked up his second yellow already in the first half and had to leave the pitch for a Super Bock in the changing room. Emotions were so high in this game that Thomas "The Butcher from Bavaria" was booked for kicking the ball after the whistle. In general, RBB kept their cool though, with many the bookings mainly being awarded to the home team for unruly tackles or whining at the referee.

The game could have taken a different turn before halftime when Portugal was awarded a penalty kick. Fortunately for the British, the attempt by Portugal's center back lacked both precision and power – not to take anything away from keeper Kris's fine save. The teams therefore retired for halftime in a commanding 3–0 lead for the visitors.

Portugal then came out strongly after the break and pushed the British back to their half. RBB's defensive line and the midfielders in front of it again held their ground, and instead it was the British who were able to add to their score line. 4–0 came through Thomas who potentially was offside and potentially had to commit a foul to put the ball in. Nobody had time to consider these details, though, as the team congratulated the man who definitely has had more birthdays than goals this year (although he has still baked more pizzas than he has scored goals).

FUN FACT: Did you know that an average person will produce enough saliva during his lifetime to fill two swimming pools?

With Kevin and Shinichi coming on for Jean and Tommy, RBB got an extra injection of energy for the counter attacks. Shinichi showed his cunningness as he first assisted Daniel for the Finn's second goal of the match, and then put James free with the keeper to make it 6–0.

That would naturally have been quite a fine score to end with, but fortunately James had the sense to realize that this might have risked causing a sense of arrogance with the British, so he gave away a rather easy penalty to the home team. The final result, 6–1, nevertheless meant that RBB had all the reasons to be happy with their performance this time as they prepare for another tough fixture next Saturday, against Jefke County.

Reporter and MOM: Daniel Donner