or reach the final of the International Youth Tournament played locally, North Village's under-13 side advanced to the final of the Dutch Cup in Amsterdam.

A string of impressive results enabled the young Red Devils, coached by Kenny Thompson, to reach today's final against a team from Mexico -- a side Thompson acknowledged as "the top team in the division.'' The tournament had five groups of five with the top four after the round robin advancing to the last 16.

Village topped their group with 10 points after victories over Glenstar boys (Northern Ireland) 2-0, SVL Boys (Holland) 2-0, Polish outfit Arka Gdynia 3-1 and a scoreless draw with Tontine I of England.

In the knockout phase, Village defeated an Israeli team 4-1 and then stopped Rainford of England 4-0 in the quarter-finals. In the semi-final against Tontine II, the match finished 1-1 in regulation time before Village won 4-2 on penalties.

"In at least four of the games they played extremely well,'' said Thompson yesterday from Holland. "They have really done themselves and Bermuda quite proud in the way they have handled themselves and they way they have dominated matches.

"Many people love the way they play. The word gets around about the good teams and Bermuda is on that list as being one of the more attractive teams to watch.'' Thompson said the players were looking forward to their appearance in the final which marks an improvement on last year when they reached the quarter-finals.

"It's going to be very difficult for us to get a result but I believe we have a chance of winning,'' said the coach.

Yesterday, Thompson played for a Coaches Select against an Ajax Select from the 1960s and '70s.

"The Ajax boys are still masters of the ball,'' said Thompson before relaying the 9-0 score in Ajax's favour.