Irish Paralympic 7-A-Side Soccer Team Beat Finland 10-0 In Their Opening Game At The CPISRA European Championships In Portugal

The Irish Paralympic soccer team had a huge win in their opening group game at the CPISRA European Championships in Maia, Portugal today defeating Finland 10-0. Captained by Glencormac United's Gary Messett today this Irish team put on an assured display against the Finnish side in the midday heat, and no less than seven of the team scored with a hat-trick from Ballyfermot United's Dillon Sheridan and two from Podge Leacy who plays with Ferns Utd.

Elsewhere in their group the Netherlands had an even bigger win (14-0) over Denmark who Ireland face at midday tomorrow (25th July). On Sunday at 4pm Irish time Ireland and the Netherlands will most likely battle it out for top spot in the group.

This Irish team of athletes with Cerebral Palsy will be confident of securing a path through to the quarter-finals with themselves and the Netherlands (currently one place ahead of Ireland in the world rankings) likely vying for top spot in the group. Ukraine, drawn in Group A are the top ranked team in the world at the moment with Current Paralympic Champions from London 2012; Russia the pick of Group B. This Irish team is currently ranked sixth in the world, and fourth in Europe following an impressive fourth place finish at the CPISRA Intercontinental Cup last year.