Play kicked off early yesterday morning at the IBSA Blind Football European Championships in Rome, Italy.

The opening match saw hosts Italy take on 2015 European Champions Turkey in Group A. Italy took an early lead thanks to young star player Paul Iyobo, but Turkey struck back shortly after the level the match at half-time. Neither team could score in the second half so it was one point apiece for the two teams.

Caption: screenshot Italy vs Turkey. Click on the image to watch the game.

In the Group B opening match between France and the reigning European Champions Russia, it was the French who took the spolis thanks to a 2-0 win. Second half goals by Bahalar Ninag and Frederic Villeroux and some fine saves by the French goalkeeper were enough to secure three points and top spot in the group.

Caption: France vs Russia screenshot. Click on the image to view match.

Spain and Belgium were next up in a Group A fixture. Dogged defending from the Belgians saw them hold out against the multi European Championships winners during the first half, but Spain's pressure and attacking play paid off in the second half and they ran out 3-0 winners. Two goals from Antonio Martín and a single strike from Youssef Rabi take the Spanish top of Group A.

Caption: Spain vs Belgium screenshot. Click on the image to view match.

Yesterday's last match saw England and Germany renew their traditional footballing rivalry in Group B. There were chances for both teams throughout the game but it was a second half goal from Dan English that separated the two and England took all three points to go second on goal difference in the group.

Caption: England vs Germany screenshot. Click on the image to view match.

Today's fixtures

09:00 Turkey vs Spain
11:30 France vs England
15:00 Romania vs Italy
17:30 Greece vs Russia

All games from Rome 2019 are streamed live on the IBSA Blind Football page, FISPIC’s Facebook page and FISPIC’s YouTube channel.