Soccer CP-ISRA European seven-a-side Championships

: Ireland lose out to Russia in semi-final

Irish CP Football Team at Parkhead

Ireland suffered a cruel defeat today at the hands of current Paralympic silver medallists, Russia. Ireland produced a composed, tactical performance but were unhinged by some fine Russia finishing.

Early on, Russia put Ireland under pressure but they soaked it up comfortably. After 10 minutes, top goal scorer Jason Moran was forced off with an ankle injury. Ireland created a number of chances in the remainder of the half but the Russians broke down a resolute defence on the 26th minute with a fine strike from the edge of the area into the bottom right hand corner from Alexey Tumakov. The half ended with the Russians holding a slender 1 nil advantage.

Russia made 3 changes at the break and the tactical cat and mouse game continued. Ireland created a number of half chances and continued a strong team performance. However with only 5 minutes to go the Russians scored the matches clinching goal through a rapid break, finished off from Lasha Murvanadze. Ireland continued to press looking for a goal and conceded a third on the break with 2 minutes to go from Andrey Kuvaev.

Irish Team Manager Paul Cassin following the game commented: "This game has shown how far this team has progressed in the last few months. To hold the Paralympic champions, Ukraine scoreless for 40 minutes and to hold the Russians to a one goal lead after 55 minutes is a credit to the team cohesion and work ethic."

Ireland now have one game remaining in this tournament. That is a bronze medal play off against the Netherlands who lost 4-1 to the Ukraine in the other semi final. The game takes place at 5pm this Friday afternoon

For further information: www.pcireland.ie