Article: Nathanael Merchant 
Photo: Alistair Nitz

Gungahlin United vs Tigers FC | Saturday, 19th September – 1:30pm @ Deakin Stadium
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Into the final round, Gungahlin United are still chasing their first win in the group stages after their 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Croatia last Saturday. They will need to rediscover the ruthless Gungahlin United that we saw in 2019 if they are to salvage what left there is of the season, while the Tigers are looking to strengthen their case for a finals run and come out on top.

After Gungahlin's lackluster first half against Croatia allowing four goals in quick succession, they’ll be looking to have a stronger performance at the back and get their forward pack involved more. After having some struggles in previous weeks, do they have enough to pull out a miracle and keep a title repeat alive?

The fighting Tigers are looking to keep on fighting another day as their rollercoaster of a season is on the line this weekend. After having their 2-1 victory against Belconnen FC put them in a position to grab a spot in the finals, can they get two in a row against a team they haven’t beaten this season?

Canberra Croatia vs Belconnen United | Saturday, 19th September – 3:45pm @ Deakin Stadium
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The dominant Canberra Croatia are going into this week with their heads high after the dominant performance against defending champions Gungahlin United. CCFC have booked their spot in the NPL1 Grand Final next Saturday night while Belconnen are in need of a win to seal their spot. 

Canberra Croatia have been extremely impressive this season and have carried that dominant form into the Championship Series. Scoring a total of eight goals while not conceding in their last two matches, they will look to build on these performances and keep their momentum going into next weekend. Their pace of play and relentless offense have been challenges for their oppositions and there is no sign of them slowing down. When these two sides faced each other during the season, Canberra Croatia came out on top, so they will be confident heading into the match.

Belconnen however have got nothing to lose. Needing a win to progress through to the Grand Final, they will be looking to shock Croatia and get a win. Their 3-2 loss against them earlier in the year should provide more motivation for the club but in the face of elimination, that should be enough fuel to fight for a finals appearance.