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Updated
15-05-10 17:19
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Click HERE for pictures of the tournament
Craig celebrated his 24th birthday as he and the England team faced France in the European Blind Football Championships final on Saturday 4th July. We're sad to report that our brave Lions lost 3 - 2 to the French in a thrilling encounter in front of thousands as the host nation claimed the title. England led 2 - 1 until the last 5 minutes of the game when France struck an equalizer and the game looked set for extra time. Shortly before the final whistle, the same French player scored again to gain the lead and despite an all out attacking response, England could not level. Well done though England! We're all very proud of you lads!
England sent out the big guns in the French heatwave to take on the reigning champions Spain. In an epic battle between Europe's top two blind teams for a place in Saturday's final, England's defence cancelled out the Spanish attack and matched the tricky ball control skills of their opponents with an outstanding controlled passing game of their own to win the game 3 - 2 and claim a final appearance against the hosts France who followed up England's victory with a win against Greece in the other Euro semi final.
England have lost their first game of the tournament in France. The Lions battled hard against their hosting counterparts, breaking through on numerous occasions only to miss the target at the end. Having already qualified for a semi final on Friday, manager Tony Larkin changed the team around somewhat to give everyone a run out. Craig got his first start and played the full game in the searing heat, suffering a head injury and finishing the game bandaged to stop the blood. In his own words "there was no way I was comin' off unless they took me off"! That's the spirit lad :) The England doc sorted him out properly afterwards and it was off to the ice bath followed by a massage before being able to put the feet up. The word from the coaching staff is that the team played really well despite the loss and are now preparing to focus on the big semi final on Friday against either Greece or the current European Champions Spain.
England beat Italy today in their second group game of the tournament in France. The Lions secured a 2nd consecutive win to qualify for a semi final place on Friday. Craig got another taste of international action in the second half in the continued scorching heat in Nantes and was pleased to have kept a clean sheet. England and West Brom captain Dave Clarke scored his 4th of the tournament with Worcester's Keryn Seal adding the killer second to finish the "Italian Job"! Another great result for the boys and great confidence in the knowledge that qualification for a semi final has been secured prior to the last group game against France tomorrow.
England beat Germany 4 - 1 in their first group game of the tournament today. Craig got his first taste of international action in the second half in a scorching heat in Nantes. England and West Brom captain Dave Clarke bagged a hat-trick with Worcester's Keryn Seal adding one also, as England's superior fitness and passing game had the Germans chasing in the heat. Craig was introduced for the second half and slotted into the left back position well for his debut appearance. The Germans failed to muster a strong response other than a consolation goal from the penalty spot. A great start to the week for "The Lions" and spirits are high going into tomorrow's 2nd group match against Italy.
Here's the link to listen http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/disability_sport/8119224.stm
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