The final match of this year’s edition of The Atlantic Cup was very chance-rich, and already in the opening minute, the Czechs created a couple of significant scoring opportunities, marking the start of a game filled with chances for both teams. IFK seemed better organized than their opponents, and at the same time, they were sharper in front of the opponent’s goal. This resulted in the first goal of the match after 15 minutes, scored by Filip Ottosson, and exactly 15 minutes later, the Swedes doubled their lead with a goal from Max Fenger. The score remained 2-0 at halftime, and the fact that it stayed at those two goals is almost unbelievable given all the chances created by both teams.

After the break, IFK dominated the play even more, and just five minutes into the half, Max Fenger increased the score to 3-0, bringing the Swedes closer to Dallas in the fight to win this year’s tournament, which they needed to do with a five-goal victory. However, even though opportunities were present, the Czechs also made it onto the scoresheet when Jan Navràtil reduced the score just after the hour mark. No further goals were scored, which is almost unbeliveabel.

After the match, two-goal scorer Max Fenger mentioned that he enjoys playing at Estádio Algarve, as he was also the match-winner when Rosenborg was defeated 1-0 in the previous game. Like coach Stefan Billborn, he was very aware that IFK still had work to do before the cup in Sweden kicks off in two weeks. With today’s result, Dallas are the winners of The Atlantic Cup 2026.

Text: Dag Solheim