In very hot conditions in Argentina, a very strong Russian team ran out 5-0 winners over Paul Breen's Irish side. Ireland began the game very well demonstrating great discipline and composure in their defending and created one or two chances in the first 15 minutes.
A lack of concentration let Russia in for their first goal on 16 minutes with the Irish legitimately feeling a little hard done by. Just four minutes later the Russians got in behind the Irish defence with a fantastic counter attack to clinically score their second of the day.
The Irish fought hard and captain Gary Messett was unlucky not to pull one back after a very well worked training ground free kick just missed Russia’s far post.
Two changes at half time with Dillon Sheridan and Carl McKee coming on to give Ireland a little more of an attacking edge for the second half. Ireland came out on the front foot with Dillon Sheridan getting involved immediately threatening and he was unlucky not to get Ireland a penalty within three minutes of the restart.
With Ireland pushing for a goal, a quick counter attack from Russia resulted in their third goal and Ireland's dreams of a World Championships Semi Final berth destroyed.
With the sweltering heat taking its toll on the Irish players Russia took advantage with two quick goals in the 44th and 50th minute. Breen added some fresh legs in the latter stages putting Conor Tuite, Thomas Maher and Dylan O Brien into the fray.
A gallant effort against the tournament favourites but it was not to be this time. Ireland will play Netherlands on Wednesday at 6:30pm Irish time in the 5th – 9th semi-final hoping to secure a place in Friday's 5th/6thplay-off.
Paul Breen commented after the match, “I was happy with the performance in the first half in difficult conditions against a very strong team. We were very much still in the game at half time. In the end the heat and a small but of fatigue set in as the players were playing their 4th game in 8 days. That played it's part in the latter stages of the match. The focus will now turn to the Netherlands on Wednesday and we will work on plans to secure our place in the 5th/6th playoff match on Friday. A top six finish will be mean it was a good tournament for us and keep our ranking position very healthy.”
Ireland’s Cerebral Palsy World Cup Results
Group Stage
Ireland 3-3 Canada
Brazil 5-0 Ireland
Spain 0-7 Ireland
Quarter-Final
Ireland 0-5 Russia
5th-9th Place Place Semi Final
Ireland v Netherlands (Wednesday, September 20, 18:30 Irish Time)