Brave Ireland lose to World Champions Russia

Tuesday 3rd October
EAFC Group C: Russia 2-0 Ireland

Ireland lost 2-0 to World Champions Russia in their opening game of the European Amputee Football Championships. Russia went into the game as firm favourites with many expecting them to score freely against lower ranked Ireland. Our Irish Amputees had other ideas, however, and were unlucky not to capitalise on one of a number of chances the created in the first half.

In the most entertaining game of the championships thus far the first half was full of chances for both sides. Ireland defended deep and tried to break the Russians on the counter attack. Irish captain, James Boyle, was in superb form terrorizing the Russia, defence running at them with pace and power. At the other end, James Conroy pulled off a string of excellent saves to keep the Russians at bay.

​Russian upped the intensity at the start of the second half realising they were up against a really well organised side. Goals at either end of the half from the Russia number 9 proved decisive. Although Ireland again created chances in the second 25 they failed to make the Russians pay.

​Ireland face England in their second group game on Wednesday and will take confidence from their valiant performance against Russia. Russia play Greece in the other game in group B.