England

1-0

Ukraine

Williams 12

World Championship
Rio de Janeiro
18 August 2005

England beat the Ukraine 1-0 in Rio de Janeiro to secure their place in the semi-finals of the World Amputee Championship.

Despite knowing that a positive result against the Ukrainians would guarantee at least a semi-final spot, England also had to be sure that none of their squad would be ruled out of the later stages through suspension.

As a result, many 'first team' players were rested and the team took a fresh look to start the match with the two English forwards averaging an age just under 17.

The squad did not disappoint and after just two minutes, Jason Williams was denied by the woodwork, striking the crossbar from a direct free-kick. Ukraine played a very tactical game in the early stages with several players behind the ball making it both difficult to find space and to get a shot in on target.

Their efforts were stifling any flowing football, but the pattern changed after captain Dave Tweed curled an inviting long cross on to the head of Williams, who headed powerfully home at the far post after twelve minutes.

Ukraine came forward, knowing they needed to pressurise the English goal and find at least a draw to help them try to obtain third place.

England took hope from this and as Ukraine came forward, they started to apply their own pressure and the game suddenly turned into an entertaining end-to-end affair.

With the game still at 1-0 at half-time and although the intensity of the morning heat was increasing minute by minute, the temptation to make changes was resisted by both sides.

The Ukrainians were pumped up for the second period and they hit the inside of the post with a quick break but the danger was soon cleared and the new defensive partnership of Dave Latimer and Jonathan Elsegood performed particularly well against a physically strong forward line.

England had some good efforts on goal - Michael Chambers and Gareth Durrant both going close - but the score remained 1-0 at the final whistle.

This now ensures the team second place in the group stages and a semi-final match against hosts Brazil.

Current Standings

Group

P

W

D

L

F

A

Diff

Pts

Russia

5

4

0

1

22

6

16

12

England

5

4

0

1

10

2

8

12
Brazil

5

3

1

1

16

2

14

10

Ukraine

5

2

1

2

7

6

1

7

Sierra Leone

5

0

1

4

2

21

-19

1

Turkey

5

0

1

4

2

22

-20

1