Captain Gary Messett and Cherry Orchard’s Dillon Sheridan netted a hat-trick each with Oisin Merritt, Aaron Tier, Ryan Nolan and a Finnish own goal rounding up an impressive victory for Paul Breen’s side.
Ireland were three goals up by half time with Messett getting two and Rathmichael FC’s Ryan Nolan finding the target. Knowing that goal difference could be a factor to seal qualification from the group, Ireland went on the hunt for more goals and they did so in devastating fashion. Dillon Sheridan hit a second-half hat-trick as they scored a further seven to open their World Cup campaign in style.
Next up for the Boys in Green is one of the tournament favourites Iran and head coach Paul Breen warned his side will face a much different test. He said: “I’m delighted with the win and I’m pleased with some of the football that we played. Gary (Messett) was central to our creativity and that allowed others to go on and score.
“This is a very tight group and it could come down to the USA game on Friday and so the players were fully aware that goal difference could be a factor. There was no let-up in the second half from the lads and it’s the best possible way to start a World Cup.
“Iran are a very strong team and it will be a totally different challenge to Finland. We know that and it’s down to us to go out there and show what we can do.”
Republic of Ireland: Mark Barry (GK), Darragh Byrne, Carl McKee, Gary Messett (C) James Naughton, Ryan Nolan, Oisin Merritt.
Substitutes: Joe Markey, Alan Moore, Dillon Sheridan, Sam Carroll, Darragh Ruane, Josh Treacy, Aaron Tier
Finland: Janne Helander (GK), Heikki Rantala, Johannes Silkonen (C), Mikael Jukarainen, Aleksi Asikainen, Simo Mykkanen, Ville Kuronen.
Substitutes: Timo Halmesmaki, Antti Hovi, Juho Ovaska, Bulcsu Szekely, Nico Savolainen
IFCPF World Cup result
Ireland 10 v 0 Finland
Fixtures
10/07/2019: Iran v Ireland (10am Irish time), Seville
12/07/2019: Ireland v USA (6.10pm Irish time), Seville
13 - 14/07/2019: Quarter Final, Seville
16/07/2019: Semi Final, Seville
18/07/2019: 16th – 10thplace play-offs, Seville
19/07/2019: Final/3rd to 8thplace play off, Seville
Republic of Ireland CP squad:
Goalkeeper: Mark Barry (Raheny United)
Defenders: Joseph Markey (Carrick Rovers), Darragh Byrne (Home Farm), Darragh Ruane (Mervue United), Joshua Treacy (Celbridge Town)
Midfielders: Gary Messett (C) (Arklow Town), Ryan Nolan (Rathmichael FC), Oisin Merritt (Ballybofey United), Carl McKee (Swords Manor), Alan Moore (Oldcastle United)
Forwards: Dillon Sheridan (Cherry Orchard), Aaron Tier (Geraldines FC), James Naughton (Unattached), Sam Carroll (Ardmore Rovers).