Ireland Deaf in Unlucky Russian Defeat

The Ireland Deaf Men's Football team impressed in their opening European Deaf Football Championship group match in Denmark, going down to a 1-0 last minute penalty defeat against pre-tournament favourites Russia. This was a game the Irish lads dominated for long periods playing some excellent football but luck deserted them at crucial stages.

The Irish started brightly with Andrew Wynne seeing two early shots blocked and Eoin Burns driving wide from the edge of the box after a good team build up. Ireland suffered a blow losing the experienced Dougherty to injury after 15 minute, although replacement Bobby McAra had a rock solid game at right back throughout. Russia came more into the game in the latter stages of the first half but expert defending from Roy McKee, Noel O'Donnell and Stuart Foy restricted them to long range efforts. Indeed for Foy, Ireland's most capped player with 82 appearances today's occasion saw him break yet another record, becoming the eldest person in history to wear the Ireland Deaf International Jersey. Foy's performance throughout the 90 minutes was simply inspirational.

Ireland almost took the lead on the stroke of half time, a great ball from Sean Young put Mark Sinclair clean through with only a last ditch tackle blocking the wingers shot at the expense of a corner. They went close again from this set-piece, Young's well struck shot forcing a great save from the Russian keeper. The half ended 0-0 and it was Russia who threatened briefly on the restart but Keeper' Mike Walsh dealt well with the danger. The period from the 50th minute to the 80th saw a great spell of pressure from the Irish. They tackled like men possessed and pinned Russia back inside their own half. Darren Dunne was outstanding controlling the midfield battle with Joe Watson playing well and driving his team forward with a succession of pinpoint passes. Half-time substitute Brian Babb was excellent, his pace constantly troubling the Russian defence. Burns played intelligently on the left flank nullifying the Russian widemen as Ireland dominated. Babb made an excellent run in the 55th minute shooting agonisingly just past the post with Young having a close range goal-bound shot blocked 5 minutes later. Wynne went even closer from a 20 yard free-kick that flicked the wrong side of the post and further shots from Watson, Babb and Young just missed the target as the Russian goal led a charmed life. From a rare Russian counter-attack in the 80th minute Irish keeper Walsh made a fabulous one-handed save to keep the scores level. As the game entered its final minutes Ireland poured forward and Watson connected perfectly with a half volley from the edge of the box which the Russian keeper managed to parry. Centimetres to either side or the ball would have rocketed into the net. With Russia seemingly content with a draw a hopeful punt forward into the Irish box in the final minute saw the Russian centre forward take a tumble and to Ireland's dismay the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Russian converted and the final whistle sounded giving Russia an undeserved 1-0 victory.

Irish Manager Rino Giglione said he was pleased with the display if not the result. 'We can take many positives from the game and build from this, the mood in the camp is upbeat, we played very well and now we know we have nothing to fear against the best sides in this tournament. We are fully now fully focused on Thursday's match against Belgium and 3 points will put us right back in the reckoning'.