7:20am Friday 10th July 2009
THE Hereford-based England blind football team came within four minutes of winning the 2009 IBSA Blind European Championship in France.
England led 2-1 with just four minutes remaining of last weekend’s final but France struck back to clinch a 3-2 win on the stroke of full time.
“It was very disappointing for the players because, as a group, they put in a great deal of effort and commitment,” said England head coach Tony Larkin. “We went to France with our sights set on winning the championships. But we’re still ranked second in Europe and it was great to bring on new players.”
Goals from Dave Clarke and Jonathan Gribbin had put England on the verge of European glory until France shattered their dreams.
England, who lost just one group match, had secured their place in the final after an excellent 3-2 semi-final triumph over rvals Spain.
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