Day two of the 2015 IBSA Goalball European Championships Men C featured Russia showing that they are the team to beat. They have now played five of their six round robin matches and remain undefeated.

On Tuesday they played against Great Britain and Italy in two high scoring matches. Both matches were closely fought. Russia was always leading throughout their match with Great Britain but the British team never gave up and kept on fighting the whole way through. The first half between Italy and Russia also remained very close. At the break Russia just had their nose in front 4-3. Russia pulled away more in the second half. Some individual mistakes let the Italian team down and cemented the Russian win. This also cemented Russia’s position at the top of the table and will mean that they should end the round robin on top.

Bulgaria had a tough day at the office on day two. They were leading in their match against Great Britain at half time 4-2. However, they were pipped at the post and lost the match 7-6. In the end it was a few defense issues that lost the match for the Bulgarians and a clever Great Britain that could take advantage. After this they were steam rolled by a motivated Italy, 12-4.

Following day two’s results, Italy is back on track for qualifying for the semi-finals. However, they do need to beat Greece with a three goal margin to make it.

Great Britain and Portugal also have one more game to play in the round robin and it is against each other. If Russia takes a point against Bulgaria the game between Great Britain and Portugal will be for 2nd and 3rd place which means that they at that point will meet each other at the semifinal again. A match where Great Britain will be out for revenge after their heart breaking loss from two years ago.

Croatia ended their round robin today with to big losses and with only three points they are not able to reach the semifinals.

Day three looks like it is shaping up to be a tense and exciting day as teams fight for the final semifinal places.