The Irish CP squad held their destiny in their hands in the Stadium Estancia Grande, San Luis, Argentina today where Spain stood in their way. Going into the tournament needing to close a minus 8 goal difference to Canada to secure the quarter final spot against Russia on Monday the players knew lots of goals were on the menu. A determined squad of 7 players took to the field in San Luis looking to achieve their first aim of the tournament - a top eight finish.
It was a tentative start by the Irish as they took time to build into the game with consistent pressure on the Spanish defence going near on two occasions in the first two minutes both strikes from Dillon Sheridan.
The opening score was threatening and on the 11th minute Aaron Tier was taken down in the box by the Spanish goalkeeper to set up the penalty for the opening goal that was stylishly dispatched by Gary Messett.
From the tip off Ireland pressed hard and Gary Messett successfully dispossessed the Spanish on the half way line and sent Dillon Sheridan through who still had some work to do but slotted home with an excellent finish off the post in the bottom left hand corner. Ireland continued to dominate but were unable to capitalise on this possession with any more goals and the teams went in at half time with Ireland 2-0 to the good.
Ireland Manager gave the instruction to continue what they were doing and the goals will come and they duly did with three goals in the first 5 minutes of the second half. The first arriving in the 1stminute of the second half with Captain fantastic Gary ‘Messi’ Messett buried home in the top corner after great work by Oisin Merritt down the right and pulling back from the end line for Messett to score from 20 metres in what could be a goal of the tournament contender.
Immediately after the kick off Ireland reclaimed possession through Dillon Sheridan who went by three players to calmly send the ball low into the box where Messett slotted home from 5 metres to claim his Hat Trick. 3 minutes later Dillon Sheridan shot from 20 metres and saw his shot cannon off the upright only to rebound to Aaron Tier who coolly gave Ireland 5 goals.
With the Canadians 2-0 down to Brazil in the other group match Ireland knew they needed a seventh goal to secure their quarter final place and in the 41st minute Dillon Sheridan added a sixth goal. With time running out Ireland continued with the game plan and got their just reward in the 55th minute when none other than their Captain Messett completed the 7-0 routing needed for Ireland to claim second place in group A with his 4th goal of the game.
Scenes of celebration followed the final whistle as news of Canada’s loss to Brazil came through and the teams place in the top eight was confirmed and a quarterfinal place against Russia on Monday at 7:30pm Irish time. The game will be streamed live onwww.cp2017.com.ar
Irish Manager Paul Breen commented after the game: “A detailed analysis of our opposition was compiled in order to identify key areas of their game that we felt we would be able to exploit. The players executed the plan perfectly and were able to achieve their goal of securing a place in the quarterfinals of the IFCPF World Championships. I am really proud of the character this team has shown throughout the tournament so far and this is to the credit of the players and all the staff in helping to build the team spirit that exists in the squad”
Ireland: Jimmy Naughton, Mark Barry, Gary Messett © , Dillon Sheridan, Oisin Merritt, Aaron Tier, Peter Cotter
Substitutions: Conor Tuite (Peter Cotter 50') Ryan Nolan (Dillon Sheridan 52'), Dylan O’ Brien (Mark Barry 54')
Substitutes not used: Sam Carroll, Thomas Maher, Carl McKee, Tom Badun.