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Russia and Turkey to meet in IBSA Blind Football European Championships final

Date: August 29, 2015

Category: Football

A new name will be on the trophy for the IBSA Blind Football European Championships as Russia and Turkey reached the final of the tournament yesterday, both for the very first time.


Caption: Russia celebrates victory.

In the first semi-final of the IBSA Blind Football European Championships in Hereford, England, Russia faced England, who had cruised through the group stage by winning every game.

The semi was a tight affair with both teams having chances to take the lead, but in the end neither side could score and the game went to a penalty shoot-out. Russia scored one of the three spot-kicks while England failed to convert, so it was 1-0 to the Russians and a place in the final.


Caption: Russia attacks the England goal.

The second semi-final was also a very close match, with reigning European champions Spain starting off as favourites against a Turkish team that had shown great improvement since the IBSA World Games in Korea in May.

Again the defences were on top throughout the game and neither of the two teams managed to hit the back of the net during the game, so it was another penalty shoot-out.


Caption: goal for Turkey in the penalty shoot-out.

Turkey proved to be decisive from the penalty spot, scoring their first two kicks and, with the Turkish keeper saving the Spaniards efforts, it was Turkey who secured a spot in today’s final.


Caption: the Turkish team celebrates on the pitch.

By making it to the final, Russia and Turkey also qualify for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

The final takes place today at 15:00 local time and the third fourth-place play-off is at 13:00.

In yesterday’s other games France defeated Germany to finish in fifth place, Italy beat Belgium to come seventh, and Poland recorded their first ever goal and win at European Championships to beat Greece and secure ninth place.

Click here to follow all the action through live streaming or audio description, or on the IBSA Blind Football Facebook group.  


Caption: tournament poster, featuring the slogan "trust your senses" 

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