Feb 6, 20192 min read

The Royals Take Over The Silver Cup Finals; UAE Polo vs. Ghantoot Polo

Updated: Feb 7, 2019

GAME 1: Ghantoot Polo v. Desert Palm Polo

The anticipation builds as the season approaches the Silver Cup Final 2019. The Royals are about to dominate but nobody knew it just yet. Ghantoot Polo Team; owned by Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and led by Patron, Yousef Bin Desmal, and UAE Polo Team, owned and led by Patron Sheikha MRM Al-Maktoum.

The afternoon opened with a game between Ghantoot Polo team and Desert Palm Polo team, which took off with a quick lead for Ghantoot and ended the first chukker with 6 goals to 1. The team maintained its significant lead against Desert Palm through to half time at a 6 goal advantage.

As we worried, Camilo Castagnola could not keep up with the 'goal-scoring machine' role for the Desert Palm. The Ghantoot side completely dismantled their play, and took advantage of every tiny flaw and loophole. Desert Palm only got 9 goals, just as many goals as Juan Zavaleta contributed to his team on horse back.

Match Progression:

Ghantoot Polo:

1st Chukker: 6 - 1

2nd Chukker: 7 - 3

3rd Chukker: 10 - 4

4th Chukker: 11 - 7

5th Chukker: 15 - 9

Top Scorer: Juan Gris Zavaleta - 9 goals

QUALIFYING GAME FOR SILVER CUP FINALS

Tuesday, February 3 | 2PM: Ghantoot Polo 15 vs. Desert Palm 9

Photos courtesy Al Habtoor Polo Club and Resort

GAME 2: UAE Polo v. Habtoor Polo

The second game ensued between UAE Polo team and Habtoor Polo; the home team. UAE showed no mercy, no sentiment and didn't give 'two' if Facu Sola was on Habtoor's roster, or not. They kept their eye on the goal each time, the Silver Cup on their mind. Now that they've cast a silver shadow on Habtoor, they have Ghantoot to deal with in the Finals this Friday.

From the inside of these things, it's emotional. People in Ghantoot's position worry about the heat: Will we eventually lift the trophy? Considering they didn't take the Gold Cup heat last season, UAE is more familiar with the temperature, and Ghantoot has cause to worry; not just about acquaintance with the heat, but also about Tomas Panelo. His ante ups with the progression of the tournament. We saw it last year when he played with Zedan. And then Alejandro Muzzio... The UAE Bwoys ain't playing.

On the flip side, there may be some factors within the Ghantoot side, that can keep their hopes up. They would appear to have leverage with Juan Gris Zavaleta. Will Bin Desmal play tough enough and set the tempo though? Sheikha Maitha, his opponent on the UAE side has been quite hard to read. But always issues out game-changing plays that ends up putting the team ahead. Sheikha Maitha's default mindset remains super positive in all.

The smart money remains on the UAE Team.