West Ham United's Under-15s bowed out of the Nike Cup in
Portugal on a high note on Thursday, beating Slovakian side FC
Melerog 5-4 on a penalty shoot-out in the final stages.
The result meant that, out of the 40 teams competiting in the tournament, Hammers finished in a magnificent 13th place - a fantastic achievement considering the fact that they were playing in what was widely recognised as the strongest group.
In almost unbearable heat, Paul Heffer's team performed heroically against some of the world's finest young players and were extremely unlucky not to qualify for the knockout final stages.
Former Manchester United star Eric Cantona was guest of honour at the event and posed for pictures with a few of the Hammers' youngsters, who have been tremendous ambassadors for West Ham United during their memorable experience in Portugal.