Ireland 1
Great Britain 5
– Ryan Bailey reports from Rio de Janeiro
IRELAND’S MISERABLE PARALYMPIC Games group campaign has concluded with a third successive hammering as they were outclassed by Great Britain at Deodoro Stadium tonight.
Barry Ferguson’s side will now face United States in a classification match on Thursday to determine who finishes in seventh and eighth place in the 7-a-side competition.
After 6-0 and 7-1 drubbings at the hands of Ukraine and Brazil, Ireland were left with nothing more than pride to play for in their final group outing but, once again, they had no answer to far superior opposition.
Conor Tuite’s late goal was a mere consolation as Great Britain emphatically recorded their first win of the tournament.
“It’s another disappointing result, they’re another quality side but again we showed more of our attacking play than we have been in other games,” Ferguson said.
“I’m a little bit pleased about that, but then again we gave away really sloppy goals and it will be something that we will be hoping to improve on Wednesday [against USA].”
The concession of two goals within the first five minutes meant the writing was on the wall for Ireland, who had goalkeeper Brian McGillivary to thank for a string of impressive saves which limited the damage.
Tomi Badun also impressed on his first start and nearly pulled one back but his rasping drive was tipped over the bar. From there, GB took further control with two goals in first-half stoppage time.
Ireland, to their credit, responded after the break and scored their second goal of the tournament through Tuite.
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
