Ireland Deaf Defeat Belgium at European Championships

The Ireland Deaf Men's football team secured a vital 2-1 victory over Belgium today in their 2nd group match at the European Championships in DenmarkThis was a hard-fought, physical encounter and the Irish displayed admirable grit and determination to come out on top. An expert first half Joseph Watson penalty and a superb second half header from Brian Babb proved the difference with the Belgian reply coming deep into injury time.

Ireland opened brightly with Watson heading over from a good Bobby McAra delivery on 6 minute, with Babb, Watson and Sean Young looking a threat every time they received possession. It was no surprise when Ireland took the lead in the 25th minute. Stuart Foy played an excellent long ball that was flicked on by Young. Babb's explosive pace saw him sprint clear of the Belgian defence and round the Keeper' only to be dragged down by a professional foul - the resulting red card reducing the Belgian's to 10 men. Watson coolly dispatched the spot kick for his 49th International goal and Ireland were 1-0 ahead. With the Irish on top Young and Babb struck the woodwork twice in a matter of seconds in the 30th minute and Stephen Millar went agonisingly close from Foy's 33rd minute cross. The game took another twist as the interval beckoned, Ireland were reduced to 10 men as Young received a second yellow card. This seemed to boost the Belgians morale and Irish keeper Mike Walsh had to be alert to save low to his left in the 42nd minute. 1-0 to Ireland at half time and it was Belgium who began brighter in the second half. The Irish defence was resolute in this period of pressure. Noel O'Donnell won everything in the air with captain Darren Dunne intelligently sweeping everything that came his way. Foy had a good 45 minute with his replacement Brian Daly also impressing. Bobby McAra also excellent throughout the 90 minute. Ireland doubled their lead with a counter attack goal in the 55th minute. Daly went on a surging 70 yard run down the left flank and his pinpoint cross was brilliantly headed into the top corner from 12 yards by Babb at full stretch.

The remaining minutes were all about Ireland consolidating the result and they did this well. The midfield of Maguire, Watson, Burns and Wynne worked their socks off, preventing Belgium creating chances. Babb had an excellent game, playing the last 55 minute as a lone striker and working tirelessly for his team. With the seconds ticking away Belgium summoned one last effort and Walsh produced an outstanding 1 on 1 save in the 89th minute. This was to prove priceless as Belgium did pull a goal back with virtually the last kick of the game to leave the final score 2-1 to Ireland.

Manager Rino Giglione expressed his satisfaction after the match. We came here today to do a job - get the 3 points and move on to the next match. Today was a battle but the lads deserve great credit for their work rate and determination'. Ireland play Denmark in their final group match on Saturday and they know a victory will see them safely through to the quarter finals.

Ireland will face Denmark on Saturday at 6pm, irish time. You can watch live commentary at Irish Deaf Sports facebook.