News
Japan and Argentina shine on opening day at IBSA Blind Football World Grand Prix
Date: March 21, 2018
Category: Football
Results from the opening day's play at the IBSA Blind Football World Grand Prix in Tokyo are now in.
In the opening game, hosts Japan defeated England 2-1 in a close-fought match. Japan opened the scoring in the 14th minute of the first half, but their joy was short-lived as Dan English equalised just a minute later following a marvellous solo play from his own half.
One each at half time and everything to play for, but it was the local team who broke the deadlock in the second half with 8 minutes remaining, number 11 on the mark for his double.
Japan leads Group A on three points.
Caption: Japan vs England final score. Click on the image to watch full match.
Click here to watch Japan vs England full match.
In the opening Group B match, American champions Argentina notched a comfortable 3-0 victory over European champions Russia. A first-minute strike gave the Argentineans an early lead, but there was no more scoring in the first half.
Both teams came out strong after the break and it was a close-fought affair until the 14th minute, when Argentina doubled its lead. With Russia pushing for a breakthrough the South American added a third soon after.
Caption: Argentina 3 Russia 0. Click on the image to watch full match.
Click here to watch Argentina vs Russia full match.
Tomorrow's fixtures
Thursday March 22nd
12:00 Development Belgium vs India
16:30 Elite Turkey vs England
19:15 Elite France vs Russia
All the matches from the tournament, organised by the Japan Blind Football Association, can be viewed live on the association's Youtube channel.
The IBSA Blind Football World Grand Prix will be held initially for three years in the run-up to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Follow IBSA Blind Football on Facebook.
Follow the Japan Blind Football Association on Facebook.
Caption: IBSA Blind Football World Grand Prix 2018 banner.