It has been a busy summer of international football, with the FIFA World Cup coming to a conclusion on Sunday.

But the undoubted ’highlight’ has been the exploits of the England mountain village football team, represented by Manx side Peel Saint German who travelled to Piedimulera in Northern Italy.

During the tournament, the team took on hosts Italy and old foes Sweden, France and Switzerland.

Given that the side had tasted defeat in every game it had played before this trip, expectations were low. The late withdrawal of ’Pie-gate’ goalkeeper Wayne Shaw, further dented confidence.

However, after an eventful team-building session the day before the tournament around Milan’s many cultural centres (read: bars and pubs) the mood had brightened and talk of improved performances were plentiful.

This is a common boom and bust cycle on the team’s international travels: each year the players forget that they succumb to heavy defeats in most games, before convincing themselves that the ageing squad is stronger this year, only to once again be brought crashing back down to Earth.

Before the opening game, Peel Saint German were part of a parade through the streets of the village, with the whole community out in force to greet the teams.

This was a fantastic occasion, with the parade doing a lap of the village before ending up at the home of ASD Piedimulera. The ground itself was incredible: at the foot of the Italian Alps, with hills on each side, snow-capped mountains at the head of the valley and a perfect playing surface.

In the absence of the FA Cup legend Shaw, Douglas Royal stalwart Michael Quine volunteered to go in goal after admitting he had made a few appearances for their combination side earlier this year. He was never asked how these performances went and was hastily handed the number one shirt and a pair of gloves.

First up, PSG took on a very strong Italian team. Given the obvious gulf in age, ability and hangovers, an admirable first-half performance saw the hosts only lead by one goal to nil.

In the second half the extreme temperature, humidity and disruption caused by substitutions told, with the hosts ending up 5-0 victors.

Next came the Manx team’s rematch with the Swedes, having previously faced them in the 2016 Euros in Morzine. Again, a strong first-45 performance, which included a number of missed chances for PSG, ended 1-0. Chris McKenna, Andy Garrett and Quine were particularly impressive in holding the much younger, fresher Swedish team at bay.

The second half followed in a similar manner, with numerous Swedish attacks halted through great teamwork and fantastic defending. The Swedes added a further two goals to run out 3-0 winners which, in truth, was a much improved performance than Peel Saint German’s shambolic 10-4 loss two years ago.

In what was the weakest performance of the tournament, PSG suffered a 6-0 loss to France. This game was notable for two main reasons - the French team’s first goal was scored by their goalkeeper when Quine was lobbed while rooted to his line, despite the fact that eight-a-side goals are only three-quarter. Secondly, the team were offered an opportunity to get back into the game when Gary Christian was hacked down in the penalty area.

Former captain Richard Plumley stepped up to take the spot-kick, but despite (or because of) an unnecessarily long run up, sent a tame effort to the goalkeeper’s right which was easily saved.

The team’s final game was always going to be the best chance of securing a result. The Swiss team were missing a number of key players, although the nemesis from the previous year, Andy Abgottspon, was still present.

After dominating much of the first half, PSG had been caught on the counter-attack twice to trail 2-0. And then the magic happened. In what might be the most complete footballing performance since Germany beat Brazil 7-1, it all fell into place.

Rolling substitutions ensured everyone played their part. Quine in goals was a spectator, Garrett, McKenna, Neil Withers and Alex Yates defended like modern day Paolo Maldinis.

In midfield, all-star Conor Keenan, Paul Timson, Christian, Plumley, Will Caley and Adam Hayes functioned as well as the Manchester United midfield of 1999.

Up front, Robbie Jack, Alan Adesalu and Michael Wheeler were unplayable. Chief of hydration Chris Corkish and his assistant Karl Parker prevented any further bouts of sunstroke.

Daniel Leadley managed substitutions perfectly and Matthew Bell and James King ensured that the local wine producers were kept in business.

Goals from Paul Timson and Michael Wheeler quickly pulled the score back to 2-2. Despite dominating the remainder of the game, PSG could not force the winner. However, despite the disappointment of not winning, the team were on reflection very pleased to avoid defeat for the first time.

The tournament itself was won by Italy, who edged out France in a keenly-contested final. Sweden were third and the Swiss in fourth.

Peel Saint German would like to place on record their thanks to Aldo Noce and ASD Piedimulera for hosting the tournament, and to Fabian Furrer, the president of the Bergdorfem association for their efforts in making this trip possible.

Going forward, as the team continue to build towards the 2020 Euros in Gspon, Switzerland, should any sponsors or supporters wish to learn more about mountain village football get in touch via PSG’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Peel-Saint-German-810757299024907