Monday was the first day of competition at the 2015 IBSA Goalball European Championships Men C. For the seven competing teams, it is a fresh chance to be promoted back to European goalball division B and to put past horrors and disappointments behind them.

The opening match for this tournament was between Bulgaria and Croatia. This was always going to be a high scoring affair. Within one minute it was already 1-1. Croatia leapt out to a small lead. They led 3-1 before the half way point of the first half. After this though Bulgaria clawed their way back in to the match. It was quickly 3-3 but Bulgaria let another goal through and they found themselves behind again. However, after this Bulgaria was suddenly awake and increased their level. By half time they were already up 7-4 the second half picked up where the Bulgarians left off, with a scoring spree. With 5 minutes to go, Bulgaria was leading 11-5The final score ended up at 15-8 to Bulgaria. 

Next up was the clash between two nations who both were promoted two years ago but were once again demoted last year; Russia and Portugal. Russia played confidently and was never in doubt with this match. They lead 4-1 at half time and the final score was 7-5 to Russia.

The third match on day one was between Great Britain and Greece. Once again both teams scored quickly (Greece from a British penalty) but after this Great Britain took control of the match. By half time the score was 9-4 to the British team. Great Britain kept the momentum in the second half and the end result was Great Britain 13 Greece 5.

Italy played their first match for the tournament next against Croatia. This was a hard fought match. Italy opened the scoring but Croatia closed the half ahead 2-1. Italy was the first to score in the second half and took it to 2-2. However, in a repeat of the first half, Croatia then scored two more goals and took the three points 4-2.

Bulgaria and Portugal produced a nail biting match to keep the quality matches going. At half time it looked like Portugal was going to run away with the game, leading 6-1. However, a determined Bulgaria was not going to give up. Portugal somehow managed to hold on and won 9-8.

Russia continued their good run late in the afternoon when they took on Greece. They were leading 7-0 at half time and conceded just one goal in the second half. Final score was 7-1.

Great Britain was not going to let Russia dominate the day one performances. They also had their own impressive day. They looked very strong in their second game against Italy. Leading 6-3 at half time, they kept the pace up in the second half and finished 14-7 victors.

The day ended with two contrasting matches. Russia and Croatia provided for a high scoring match. Russia made it three from three though winning 14-10.

The final match was between Greece and Bulgaria. Greece wanted to make up for earlier losses and they gave everything they had. They took this match 12-2.

We would like to remind you that you can follow live score updates throughout the day on www.twitter.com/ goalballchamps. You can also visit the tournament website at www. ECC15.com.