Para Football
Para Football

Para Lions suffer semi-final heartache after shootout defeat to Spain in IBSA Euros

Sunday 22 Sep 2019
England's Roy Turnham in full flight against Spain in Sunday's semi-final

England's IBSA Euro title dreams were brought to an end on Sunday, after a semi-final shootout defeat to Spain.

The Para Lions and Spain couldn't be separated in normal time, with Spain coming closest only for Dylan Malpas to save a penalty.

And with the nations sharing a goal-less draw over the 40 minutes, it meant the tie had to be determined form the spot.

Malpas promptly picked up where he left off to make another save to deny Spain's Antonio Martin with the first kick, only for Owen Bainbridge to have his effort tipped wide by Spainish sub stopper Sergio Rodriguez.

Spain scored from their second effort via Youssef El Haddoui, before Brendan Coleman stepped up and was denied by another flying stop from Rodriguez.

The England squad and technical team discuss tactics during a time-out

That meant Adolfo Acosta knew a successful shot from their third penalty would be enough to secure victory, and when the ball slipped just past Malpas and crept into the corner it also sealed a third successive Spanish win over England in this competition.

Jon Pugh's side will now aim to finish the tournament with a win when they play Turkey in the third place match on Tuesday morning.

England: 1 Dylan Malpas, 5 Dan English (c), 7 Brandon Coleman, 9 Roy Turnham, 10 Darren Harris

Subs: 13 Sam Marsden, 3 Owen Bainbridge, 4 Azeem Amir, 6 Robin Williams, 8 Rainbow Mbunga

Head coach: Jon Pugh

By Nicholas Veevers Content Manager - FA Owned Channels