Britain, who were up against the competitions top seeds in the Netherlands, put up a spirited performance in a goalless first half but they could simply not cope with the pace in the second as the Netherlands stepped things up a gear after the break.

The prolific IIjas Visker, who scored twice against Ireland yesterday in the first game of the tournament, volleyed a rebound past Britain captain and goalkeeper Jordan Raynes in the first minute after of second half.

Just five minutes later, Visker’s strike was followed up by a fantastic free kick from Dennis Straatman which took the score to 2-0.

Britain battled on and Matt Dimbylow gave his team hope with a fine strike on the 45th minute.

Dimbylow’s goal however, proved to be little more than a consolation as Visker pounced to score again and take his tally for tournament to four goals in just two appearances.

Following the match, a dissapointed Raynes said: "In the first half we started well but in the second we just fell apart. 

"We knew that Visker would be a good player but I thought Michael Wilson did really well in the first half in marking him. 

"He’s a good player and we knew we had to watch him. 

"Now we just need to win tomorrow and I’m confident that we can."

Meanwhile, an ecstatic Visker said: "I’m really happy, I feel good, that’s four goals this tournament and it’s my first one with the team.

"The weather was much better today which is good for us.

"We have the US tomorrow so be good to have the same weather and I believe we could win and see Ireland in the gold medal match on Saturday."



In the day’s other game, Ireland showed the kind of form that will have Visker and his team watching on nervously as they brushed aside the US by a three goal margin.

Gary Messett, who scored twice against the Netherlands in his first games, got his side off to the best possible start by scoring on nine minutes.

He quickly added a second on 25 minutes before Derek Malone grabbed another to make it 3-0 at half time.

Jason Moran scored just after half time to make it 4-0 and while the US did very well to grab two second half goals, Malone scored his second of the game to compete the rout.

Messet, who is now the tournaments joint top goal scorer alongside Vister, said: "I’m feeling pretty happy after this match."

Paul Cassin, Ireland's head coach, said: "We were looking for the win yesterday, which we didn’t get, so it feels good to get one today and the rest of the team did really well, too.

"We came out here to win it, so the win today helps for tomorrow where England need to beat us now to go above us in the table.

"It was a great first half, but I was a bit disappointed that they stopped listening to the instructions in the second half with the two goals that we let in, but fair play to America because they were working hard."

reland are now at the top of group standings with four points alongside the Netherlands.

Britain are in third and just a point the top two while the USA trail with none. 

Tomorrow sees Britain take on Ireland in what will no doubt be a heated affair while the US look to restore some damaged pride when they play the Netherlands as the group stages draw to a climax.

Saturday (May 29) will the see the tournament draw to a conclusion with the bronze medal match set to be followed by the final.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
May 2010: Britain scrape narrow victory as football makes BT Paralympic World Cup debut
April 2010: Davis confident Britain's footballers can make impact at BT Paralympic World Cup
February 2010: Football added to BT Paralympic World Cup