It's been quite a ride for the Irish team at the Cerebral Palsy World Championships. After finishing second in their group to winners Russia, they were unfortunately beaten by a strong Ukraine team in the quarter-finals.
All was not lost for Ireland however, as a victory in the 5th-8th playoff, means that they will finish in the top six teams of the competition and are rewarded with qualification to next year's Rio Paralympics. There were seven qualification places available from the World Championship, and while it was highly likely that Ireland would qualify, that has now been 1000% confirmed.
Brilliant! Ireland win 1-0, progress to 5th/6th play off & GUARANTEE their spot at @Rio2016_en Paralympic Games 🇮🇪👏🏼⚽️✈️🍀Well done lads!
— Paralympics Ireland (@ParalympicsIRE) June 26, 2015
Argentina were the opposition, and it was getting close between the teams before Irish captain Luke Evans got the crucial goal five minutes before the end.
55' GOAL for #ROI Evans scores from close range after Sheridan drilled over a free kick #ARG 0 #ROI 1 #CPFWC
— CP Football ⚽️ (@ifcpf) June 26, 2015
Great goal from Captain Fantastic Luke Evans @ParalympicsIRE! 1-0 Ireland #COYBIG #RoadtoRio #CPFWC
— Aideen Naughton (@AideenKnocky) June 26, 2015
The captain was clearly delighted with the teams efforts, and the captain spoke of how tough the game was afterwards:
#ROI match winner Luke Evans celebrates with his family #CPFWC pic.twitter.com/RZpLvo9zEr
— CP Football ⚽️ (@ifcpf) June 26, 2015
Evans: "Argentina are a good side and they play some really nice football. We didn't start well but I believe we deserved to win" #CPFWC
— CP Football ⚽️ (@ifcpf) June 26, 2015
Evans on his goal: "We work on set-pieces but it’s about being brave and getting in there. It's also good to keep a clean sheet" #CPFWC
— CP Football ⚽️ (@ifcpf) June 26, 2015
