World Cup Group A. Ireland 1-6 Uzbekistan

Post by Josh Amputee World Cup Mexico.

Ireland faced 3 time Amputee Football World Champions Uzbekistan this morning and despite losing put in a creditable performance against a team that has dominated the sport for nearly a decade. The Irish amputees struggled to cope with the pace, technical ability and movement of Uzbekistan early in the game. The World Champions led 5-0 after the first 15 minutes of the game but Ireland rallied and created a few chances of their own before the half ended. In the second half Ireland pulled a goal back. James Boyle cooly coverted from the penalty spot after a Uzbekistan defender had blocked a Craig Dowling shot with a crutch. Ireland contained Uzbekistan for the most part of the reamaining minutes until they scored their sixth from a sublime freekick. The result means that Ireland still have a very realistic chance of making it through to the knockout stages. Brazil beat Ukraine 2-0 today to move into second place in Group A. Ireland face Ukraine tomorrow in a must win tie to decide who finishes third in the Group and after today´s ´never say die´performance, the squad are really up for it.

Today´s game also saw Mandy King make her World Cup debut. Mandy made history as the first woman ever to play in an Amputee Football World Cup and showed no fear or mercy as she hassled and harried the Uzbekistan defenders while on the field.

The squad will rest, recover and turn their attention to tomorrow´s game this afternoon. We´re still in it! COYBIG!!