Courtesy: Sport News Ireland


Irish Beaten In Opening Futsal Qualifier

by Shane Walsh

21st January 2011

UEFA Futsal Championship 2012 qualifier
Republic of Ireland 1-2 Andorra

The Republic of Ireland Futsal team were beaten in their opening UEFA Futsal Championship 2012 qualifying game against Andorra last night despite taking the lead at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght.

The Irish were fired up with their home advantage and their early pressure was rewarded after ten minutes when Anthony Kane beat goalkeeper Aitor Rubio.

As the home side looked to press for a second, they were hit on the counter attack as Diogenes Lino Baptista equalised for Andorra with a well taken chance.

Andorra showed more bite in attack early in the second half with Irish goalkeeper John Somers called into action on a few occasions to deny the visitors.

The Irish, too, created chances and both Ross Zambra and Kane went close to regaining the lead as the contest entered the last ten minutes.

But, three minutes from time, the deciding goal was stuck away by Óscar Blacells to give Andorra the points from this opening tie.

Ireland will look to bounce back in their second game of the week on Friday which is against Norway (8pm). The Norwegians overcame Israel 7-3 in the other Group F match contested on Wednesday.

Rep of Ireland: John Somers (Shamrock Rovers Futsal), Mark Langtry (Sporting Fingal Futsal / UCD), Ian Byrne (Shamrock Rovers Futsal), Philip McDonagh (Shamrock Rovers Futsal / Drumcondra FC), Ross Zambra (Sporting Fingal Futsal / Wayside Celtic), Dane Massey (Bray Wanderers), Lloyd Massey (Blue Magic Futsal), Alan McCabe (AUL Futsal / Sherriff YC), Ian Carry (Sporting Fingal Futsal), Jack Doyle (Shamrock Rovers Futsal), Anthony Kane (AUL Futsal / Sherriff YC), Cian McDonald (Shamrock Rovers Futsal).

Results and Fixtures:

Thursday, January 20 2011
Israel 3-7 Norway
Republic of Ireland 1-2 Andorra

Friday, January 21 2011
Andorra v Israel
Kick-off: 17.30
Republic of Ireland v Norway
Kick-off: 20.00

Sunday, January 23 2011
Norway v Andorra
Kick-off: 17.30
Israel v Republic of Ireland
Kick-off: 20.00


Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com