The Irish Cerebral Palsy squad took on Brazil who are ranked 2nd in the world rankings in their IFCPF World Championships second match of the group stages in Argentina. Ireland unfortunately conceded within 3 minutes of the kick off putting them on the back foot immediately with Brazil quickly adding two more before the 15th minute.
Ireland gathered themselves and should great discipline in their defending for the rest of the half but without really threatening the Brazilian goal. With tiring legs in the final minutes of the first half a lapse in concentration saw Brazil go into half-time break four goals to the good.
Manager Paul Breen made some positional changes for the second half in an attempt to sure up the Irish defence and introduced Mark Barry for Carl McKee.
In the first 5 minutes of the second half Peter Cotter and Tom Badun were introduced to give fresh legs to the Irish flanks after huge efforts by Conor Tuite and Ryan Nolan.
The Irish demonstrated real courage and belief in their ability and only kept the Brazilians at bay creating one or two opportunities of their own. The best of these was a well worked free kick just outside the box resulting in man of the match and captain Gary Messi Messett forcing the Brazilian goalkeeper into an excellent save in his bottom right corner.
A small error in communication saw Brazil add a 5th to a flattering score line for the South American champions.
The Irish can hold their heads high after a very disciplined display against the second best team in the world with the result leaving Ireland's quarter final hopes still in their own hands when they play the third and final group match on Saturday against Spain. The game will be streamed live at 2pm Irish time on www.cp2017.com.ar
Irish assistant coach Rob Sweeney commented after the game, “It’s not often when you concede five goals that you can come away from a game with your head held as high as our players did today. Tactically and mentally we had to regroup at half time in order to put a stop to Brazil's continuous attacks. Our players showed an excellent ability to adapt, take on information and implement a low defensive block in a difficult situation. We have been able to take from this second half performance ahead of our final group game. We have full control of our own destiny in this tournament and we will devise another game plan in order to give us the best chance of performing against Spain.”
Ireland: Jimmy Naughton, Carl McKee, Gary Messett © , Conor Tuite, Ryan Nolan, Oisin Merritt, Sam Carroll
Substitutes: Peter Cotter (40min Conor Tuite) Mark Barry (30min Carl McKee), Thomas Maher (30 min Sam Carroll), Tom Badun (40min Ryan Nolan), Dylan O’ Brien, Dillon Sheridan