Emyle Rudder dedicated England CP's 14-0 victory – and his goal – to team-mate Ibs Diallo, who was forced out of the Cerebral Palsy World Championships just days before it began.
A Paralympian in 2012 with the GB team, Diallo is a senior member of the current England squad and has previously been through the classification system without issues. But on Monday he received some heart-breaking news.
England 14-0 Japan
Cerebral Palsy World Championships
Group stage
Tuesday 16 June
St. George's Park
During the classification process for the tournament, two separate panels from the International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football (IFCPF) concluded that Diallo did not satisfy the required assessment criteria for him to be eligible for the competition – and he was forced to withdraw.
And Rudder – who netted England's ninth against Japan – made a point of running over to his friend to get him involved.
"After I scored I just wanted to run over to my team-mate Ibs, because we were initially going to do the celebration together," said Rudder.
"It was so unfortunate that he was unable to play so I just wanted to dedicate the goal to him."
Ibs Diallo at the opening ceremony
And Rudder revealed that the celebration, something of a unique dance move, lifted the spirits of Diallo.
"I saw him smiling and then he just started laughing," he added.
England's opening day victory got the 15-nation, 12-day tournament underway on a gloriously sunny afternoon at St. George's Park.
And although it turned into a relaxed afternoon, Rudder said it was important England began the tournament in style – regardless of the opposition.
"We have to approach each game on its own merits," he added. "It doesn't really matter who we're playing against.
The scoreboard with a few seconds remaining
We respect everyone, but we want to go out and put on a show for everyone that has come along and be the best we can possibly be."
Following the rout, Rudder made no secret of the fact there will be tougher tests to come.
Their next opponents – Ukraine – are ranked among the pre-tournament favourites.
And the 21-year-old from Leytonstone says he and his team-mates are confident they can give anyone a run for their money.
"We've got some fantastic players," he added."Boys that have played at really really good levels.
“These boys have played at a really high level of football. On our day we can beat anyone.”
Emyle Rudder England CP
"You've got Jack [Rutter] who has been with Birmingham, Ibs [Diallo] at Bristol City and Ollie [Nugent] at Tranmere.
"These boys have played at a really high level of football. On our day we can beat anyone. We really believe that."
Next up for England is a game against Ukraine at 5pm on Saturday.
Should they win that they will finish top of Group A, where they will face the runners-up from Group B – one of Russia, Republic of Ireland, Australia or Portugal.
Tickets are available to purchase from the official tournament website. They are priced at £5 for adults, £2.50 concessions.
